

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


Shelf.MA3.5Cr 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





























































A MOTHER’S CROWN JEWELS 





Crown Jewels. 


BY 


HARRIET B. McKEEVER, 

u 


AUTHOR OF 


‘EDITH’S MINISTRY,” “THE OLD CHATEAU,” “HEAVEN- 
WARD-EARTHWARD,” “TWICE CROWNED,” 
“SILVER THREADS,” “WOOD- 
CLIFF,” Etc. 




CINCINNATI : 

WALDEN AND STOWE. 

NEW YORK: PHILLIPS & HUNT. 


-s. 


/V 

A A 



Copyright by 
WALDEN & STOWE, 
1883 . 



PREFACE. 


VER thirty years ago a serial tale was pub- 
lished in England and reprinted in this 
country, entitled “The Story of a Family.” 
The subject, as well as the style in which 
it was- written, was attractive, and it had a 
large host of readers. Not in the same manner, 
nor to answer the same purpose, is this story 
written. That had no decidedly religious char- 
acter ; the inmates of the household had no 
specially religious training, and the sketch was 
rather that of society life than of domestic dis- 
cipline and results. The aim of this story is to 
trace the history of a family from infancy to 
mature life ; developing the processes of training 
and growth both in the intellectual and the 
spiritual life, and exemplifying the Scriptural 
truth that as one sows so shall he also reap. 


4 


PREFA CE. 


The u crown jewels” of a mother’s life are her 
children. The polishing and setting of these 
jewels are her chief concern. Let her beware 
how she uses them: for they may 'be brilliants in 
her crown if handled rightly ; if not, only com- 
mon pebbles. And let children beware how they 
submit to the polishing process. Only by God’s 
grace can they become indeed u crown jewels;” 
and while the educational life of the family and 
the school may seem to be a severe discipline, it 
is only by such method that the diamonds in the 
rough of a child’s nature can be transformed into 
sparkling and beautiful jewels which the Master 
will not disdain to use when he comes to make 
them up. 

To parents and children this book is pre- 
sented, in the hope that both will find it a help, 
in the life that now is, for the life that is to come. 


CONTExNTS 


PAGE. 

I. Only a Spark, 7 

II. Psyche, 11 

III. Another Bird in my nest, 16 

IV. My Nursery, 21 

V. Spring Blossoms, 28 

VI. Weeds in my Garden, 35 

VII. Domestic Sunshine, 40 

VIII. The Church in our House, 49 

IX. Training our Darlings, 57 

X. Our Neighbors, 65 

XI. Manliness, 74 

XII. Madge in Trouble, 82 

XIII. A New World for Harold, • . 92 

XIV. Tiie Holidays, 103 

XV. A Bugle Call 114 

XV T. A Jewel Early Set, 


123 


6 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

XVII. Easter Morning, 130 

XVIII. Our Morning Glory, 138 

XIX. Fred’s Ambition, 145 

XX. Wilbur’s Diary, 153 

XXI. Our Boy’s Experiment, 161 

XXII. Our Morning Glory’s Birthday, 168 

XXIII. Happy Days, 179 

XXIV. Young Dreamers, 190 

XXV. A Glimpse at Harold’s Future, 198 

XXVI. A Shadow Falling, 211 

XXVII. Polishing for the Savior’s Crown, . . . 219 

XXVIII. The Days roll on, 227 

XXIX. Mary and I, 235 


i 


CROWN JEWELS. 


d^ptef I. 


ONLY A SPARK. 


k NLY a soft mass of pink and white flesh.” So 
they say; but they don’t know what a well- 
spring of joy bubbles up every hour from my 
baby, my Harold. 

It is true that he only feeds and sleeps ; but 
he ’s just as happy as a little animal can pos- 
sibly be, and I am waiting for the first dawn of the 
immortal in my child. 

Just to know that he is mine is bliss indeed, and 
I pray every day for my darling, pray that with the 
dawn of intellect may come the breath of the Holy 
Spirit. 

He does not look like any one yet — such dark, 
brown, wandering eyes; such a pursed-up little mouth; 
his skin as soft as velvet — and he ’s mine — all mine. 


It was a bright, beautiful day yesterday, and the 
sunlight streamed in through the cracks of the shut- 


8 


CROWN JEWELS. 


ters, playing in flickering beams on the bright wall- 
paper. 

I saw the sweet eyes following the rays, but I did 
not disturb the waking thought. Then he smiled, as 
if he thought it pretty, and I hailed the gleam. It 
is true that it was only a spark, but just the first 
glance of an immortal soul in a world of beauty. 

Next day he watched the same dancing rays; and 
then I saw him smile at bright colors, and I brought 
out my colored balls, and blessed Frederic Froebel 
when I saw my baby following the gentle motions of 
the pretty plaything. 

I remembered Froebel’s hints about gentleness, and 
soft, sweet music; for he says that it is a great mis- 
take to toss a young infant about in a boisterous way, 
and we two enjoyed the plays of the great educator. 

To be sure, it was only a spark of immortality 
that beamed in his dark, brown eye. 

But yesterday he followed me about with his sweet 
eyes, and I know that there was love in the glance; 
now he coos so tenderly when he sees mamma, stretches 
out his little arms, and nestles down so lovingly in 
my fond embrace. 

Every day there is some new glimpse of the im- 
mortal; and now the darling is beginning to play with 
mamma, hails her coming — crying when she leaves 
him, crows in his innocent delight, and makes the 
nursery just the happiest place on earth for a mother. 


ONLY A SPARK . 


9 


Now, too, he begins to enjoy sweet sounds, and I 
sing the soft lullabies or the little rhymes of Mother 
Goose, and it seems so wonderful that the writer could 
have imagined the odd little figures and the funny 
jingles that float in the little brain of a young infant. 

But it is not all bliss, by any means, in the life of 
the little one; for the pains of humanity torture the 
tender frame, and call for all the patient mother-love 
that never fails. 

What a blessed fountain of comfort to the little 
sufferer is that pure, unselfish love I 

I look at my darling when he sleeps so peacefully, 
see the smiles flitting over the sweet face, and wonder 
what he sees in his dreams. 

Do angels, indeed, whisper to these young immor- 
tals? for we are told that “in heaven their angels do 
always behold the face of my Father which is in 
heaven.” 

If the little ones there spoken of refer to real 
Christians, who are like the little ones in character, 
may it not also refer to these precious lambs? 

When I see him sleeping so quietly, I pray that 
our Father may take him into his gracious keeping, 
and that he may live to be a shining light in the 
Church of the Redeemer. 

How can a mother live without prayer? 

It seems as if every throb of love must be carried 
on the wings of prayer to heaven. 

When I wash my babe, my heart calls out, 


10 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ Cleanse thou my child in the fountain opened for 
sin and uncleanness.” When I dress him, I say, 
“ Clothe him with thy righteousness.” When I lay 
him in his bed at night, I pray, “Defend my darling 
from all harm, and draw him early to thyself.” 


PSYCHE. 


11 


Cl^hptef II. 


PSYCHE. 


VERY day I see marks of growth in my dar- 
ling, stepping on in the life that knows no 
ending, taking his first trembling steps so fear- 
ful, and yet so trusting, in the hand held out 
to stay his infant efforts. 

Now he is beginning to prattle, and papa 
and I think that there never was a sweeter child in 
any nest before, his young heart so full of love — such 
a darling little rogue; for Harold is beginning to play 
mischievous pranks, but we think it just a little funny, 
that is all. 

But he is wonderfully practical sometimes. 

The other day his cousin brought a drum here, 
and the child was delighted — he wanted one, of course ; 
but we told him that he must wait until he was a 
little older. 

The nurse left him in the dining-room a few min- 
utes, and, climbing upon a chair, he managed to 
mount the table, and seated himself in the center — a 
happy little king, to be sure. 

A great noise attracted nurse to the room, and 
there she found her pet seated in the middle of the 
table, with a large china bowl turned upside down, 


12 


CROWN JEWELS. 


and playing away on it with the handles of knife and 
fork, scattering the pieces in all directions. 

“ Dis is my drum, nursie,” he said; “just hear 
what a big noise I make!” belaboring the bowl until 
the fragments lay around. 

She could scarcely keep from laughing, but said, 
gravely : 

“What will mamma say, Harold?” 

“ She ’ll say it ^s a pity that I had n’t a drum, just 
like Cousin Jack.” 

He is brimful of questions, too, and takes various 
ways of enlarging his field of knowledge; indeed, his 
enterprising spirit is somewhat alarming. 

The boy has a pet kitten, and, very fond of the 
bath himself, he carried off poor little Snowball to 
the tub; and missing the little rogue, we were pretty 
sure that he v : as after some mischief. 

Tracing him to the bath-room, w T e v r ere just in 
time to save Snowball’s life; for, holding her under 
the water, in her struggles to free herself she had 
scratched the boy’s hands, and he said: 

“See, mamma, what a bad kitty she is!” 

Then I told him that it hurt Snowball, and he 
he would have been very sorry if the kitten had been 
drowned. 

We released the poor little thing; but he insisted 
that she should be punished for scratching his hands, 
and he tried to fasten her in his corner of discipline. 

He keeps us busy following his footsteps, for every 
day brings some new trick. 


PSYCHE. 


13 


The other day I saw him watching papa when he 
was shaving, calling out: 

“What you do dat for, papa?” 

When papa told him that he was shaving of! his 
beard, he rubbed his dimnled hands across his chin, 
saying, so comically: 

“Harold dot no beard, papa.” 

But next day papa left him just one minute in the 
room after he had done shaving, and -we heard some 
loud cries that called us hastily to the room. 

There was the little fellow, down on the floor, his 
face covered with lather, rubbing the soapy water in 
his eyes. 

“ Bad soap, mamma,” he said; “it hurts Harold’s 
eyes.” 

I do n’t think he will meddle with the lather again. 

The other night w r e were sitting by the window 
-while I was undressing him, and the bright moonlight 
streamed in upon his little white feet. 

I saw him looking up at the bright orb, delight 
sparkling in every feature, as he said : 

‘ ‘ P’itty moon ! p’itty moon ! Mamma, Harold wants 
de p’itty moon.” 

“ Too big, my darling, and too far off,” I answered. 

I have not yet spoken to my child the name of the 
Great Creator. I have seen so much irreverence in 
the common modes of talking to children about God 
and “the good man,” that I fear the power of first 
impressions, and am watching for the time when I 
may approach the subject. 


14 


CROWN JEWELS. 


It is so hard for the young immortal, surrounded 
as he is by material objects, to conceive of the idea 
of spirit. 

I talk to him about good and bad, right and wrong; 
but it is his parents’ will that is yet his moral law. 

By and by I will tell him about the dear Heavenly 
Father. Let me never forget that the first book read 
and the last laid aside by any child is the conduct of 
his mother. 

What a little tyrant my boy is! We may well 
call him King Baby, for from the hour of his birth 
he has been the household monarch. Here I copy a 
few beautiful lines that describe just what he is: 

KING BABY. 

“ His scepter is a rattle, 

His throne is mother’s arms; 

He reigns a tiny tyrant, 

In all his dimpled charms. 

Yet round his royal presence 
Our loving hearts entwine : 

Dictator of the cradle, 

And king by right divine ! 

Whatever be his mandates, 

No courtiers dare rebel ; 

He ’s mother’s chief of household, 

Prime minister as well. 

In yon perambulator, 

His downy car of state, 

Exacting, rosy monarch, 

What triumphs on him wait!. 

In purple ease and splendor, 

Long, long lie seeks to reign ; 


PSYCHE. 


15 


All hints of nose disjointed 
He smiles at with disdain. 

Alas, that royal greatness 
Should ever be disowned ! 

Here comes a tiny stranger — 

King Baby is dethroned.” 

I think of the last line of the poem about King 
Baby; but I am very sure that our precious boy 
will not be dethroned, for our hearts are large enough 
and warm enough to welcome and cherish with fond- 
est love both our darlings. 


16 


CEO IVE JE W ELS. 


Cl|hptef III, 


ANOTHER BIRD IN MY NEST. 


S OME months have passed since I made my last 
entries in my diary, but now I take up my pen 



Harold is so happy, for there is a little sister 


in the nursery for him to love, and we have 


S never allowed any one to say a word about a 
nose out of joiut. We have taught him that baby 
is the sweetest gift that the Heavenly Father could 
have sent to us, and his loving heart has taken the 
darling in. 

But he asks, “Why doesn’t she play with Harold, 
mamma ?” 

Then I tell him that baby is too little, but by and 
by he shall teach her how to walk and how to play, 
and then they ’ll have jolly times together. 

But we caught him the other day putting his 
fingers in her eyes. I wonder why all children do so. 
I suppose it’s a feeling of curiosity to see if baby’s 
eyes are like his own. 

He is seeing beauty everywhere, and the other day 
he brought me a lovely rose, saying: 

“Smell it, mamma dear, so sweet, so p’itty.” And, 
bending his dark eyes upon it, he said : 


ANOTHER BIRD IN MY NEST. 


17 


“Who made de p’itty rose, mamma?” 

I thought perhaps the time had come for me to 
teach my first lesson about God. 

Then I brought out a piece of worsted-work, on 
which I had embroidered a ghost of a rose. 

Holding it up before him, I asked: 

“Who made that, Harold?” 

“My mamma made that,” he said, touching it with 
his fingers, and then touching the sweet, soft rose-leaves. 

Holding the two side by side, I questioned him as 
I touched the worsted-work : 

“Pretty rose, Harold?” 

The expressive face turned away, saying: 

“No, no, mamma, dis is a p’itty rose,” every fea- 
ture expressing pleasure as he asked slowly: 

“Who made dis p’itty rose, mamma?” 

“I’ll tell you, Harold, if you ’ll try to listen. All 
the little boys aud girls have a father and a mother, 
and all the people in the world have one Heavenly 
Father, the Father of all the men and women and all 
the little children.” 

“0, my,” he said, “what a big family he must 
have?” 

“Yes,” I said, “we can’t tell how many, and yet 
he takes care of them all ; it is the Heavenly Father 
that has made all the trees and flowers, the sun, and 
the moon, and all the stars, all the cattle, and the 
birds, and all the living creatures. He made that 
lovely rose. Mamma could never make a rose like 
that.” 


2 


18 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Where is the Heavenly Father?” he asked. 

“His home is up there,” I said, pointing to the 
sky, “and yet he sees us all every day and every 
hour. He loves good children, Harold, and has given 
you a father and mother to teach you what is right. 
He has given them a Holy Book that they may know 
his will. He likes us to pray to him, and now, my 
dear child, kneel down, and I will teach you what to 
say when you pray to him.” 

Then he repeated after me: 

“Dear Heavenly Father, show me how to be a 
good little boy, teach me how to do what is right, 
teach me how to mind my papa and mamma, and to 
be good and kind to every body. Hear my little 
prayer, for Jesus’ sake, amen.” 

When he arose he asked : 

“Does he love me, mamma? did he hear my 
prayer ?” 

“Yes, my child; now don’t forget your Heavenly 
Father. His name is God, but I would rather have 
you call him your Heavenly Father, for fear that you 
might speak his name without thinking how great 
and good he is.” 

“Why did you say for Jesus’ sake, mamma?” he 
asked. 

I replied, “The first man that God made was very 
good, but he did not always keep good, and the Heav- 
enly Father was angry with him, and had to send his 
own dear Son into the world to bring the people back 
to the Heavenly Father by dying on the cross for 


ANOTHER BIRD IN MY NEST. 


19 


them, and so, when we pray to God, we always say 
for Jesus’ sake, because our Heavenly Father hears 
us, not for our own, but for the dear Sou’s sake.” 

This was my first lesson about the Heavenly 
Father, but it had stirred up a train of thought that 
brought the little fellow to me daily with his questions 
about tiie Heavenly Father. 

Truly did I see in these artless expressions the 
wings of that ever active, living soul that is inarching 
on forever and ever. O, may I have grace to train it 
for the skies! 

I have heard it said that we must not give children 
any positive religious teaching, and that we must not 
put into their minds what we have received as truth, 
but leave them to gather for themselves the convic- 
tions that will come in riper years. 

But that seems to me very much like saying that 
we ought not to feed our children in their earliest 
years, because by and by they will have to earn their 
own living and feed themselves. 

That can not be true, for I feed my children that 
I may bring them on and make them ready to feed 
themselves. And so I teach my children simple relig- 
ious truth, using their loving trust in authority, that 
when old enough they may search for themselves and 
be convinced of what is true. 

So the Christian Church teaches the child a faith 
that lias the warrant of all ages, full of devotion and 
love. She calls on him to believe doctrines of which 
he can not be convinced as yet, teaching the child 


20 


CROWN JEWELS. 


with the voice of authority, the nature with the voice 
of reason. 

I have a Sun in my system of religious truth — the 
Blessed Lord, “ the light of the world,” the light of 
childhood, and so I will make my children familiar 
with his life of love and holiness; I will fill their 
minds with his heavenly teachings, for I remember 
that he has said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the 
earth, will draw all men unto me.” And will it not be 
so with the docile, loving nature of childhood when 
they hear how our dear Lord laid his hands in bless- 
ing on the representatives of all their race? 

So on our Christmas-days we will bring our dear 
Lord, in his holy childhood, very near to our darlings; 
our Good Fridays will bring the unspeakable love of 
our dear Lord in his death of agony; our Easter-davs 
the resurrection joy, when he walked once more with 
his disciples before his ascension ; our Sundays the 
Lord’s own days, when we will try to bring him very 
near as our familiar guest. Cut with the pen of a 
diamond, and burned in with the fire of the Spirit, 
these heavenly lessons will sink deep into the young 
hearts entrusted to a believing mother’s care, for if it 
is his truth I am sure that it will never be effaced, 
but will shine in the lives so dear to us. 




MY NURSERY . 


21 


&\hptei‘ IV. 


MY NURSERY. 


I am, surrounded by six children, all so 
different, and I find my hands and my heart 
full of work and anxious thought. 

I had a visit yesterday from Mrs. Tyson, the 
mother of four sweet children. It seemed so 
strange to hear her rattle on about children’s 
fashions, and never a word about the task of training 
these immortals; for every day I feel more and more 
my own insufficiency, my many shortcomings. But 
failures teach useful lessons, and I often have such to 
study. I like to see my children well dressed, too; 
but my great desire is to see them good and holy, 
and our talk in the nursery is much more about such 
things than about childish finery. 

I find Myra Spencer a valuable assistant; for she 
understands child nature so well. She does not ex- 
pect children to be like grown-up people, and I am so 
glad, for I do most heartily dislike this unnatural 
growth in the gushing years of sportive childhood. 

Sometimes I step into the school-room and take my 
seat among them, and always feel welcome; for I 
never interfere with Miss Spencer in the presence of 


22 


CROWN JEWELS. 


the children. If I have suggestions to make it is 
when we are alone; and she is so ready to listen, for 
there is not a bit of self-conceit about Myra Spencer, 
and our intercourse is that of two warm friends equally 
interested in the same holy work. 

The children think that their governess is almost 
infallible; and sometimes I am much amused to find 
them innocently setting up her opinions, even in op- 
position to mamma’s, saying, “Miss Spencer says so; 
and she is a teacher, and ought to know.” 

She is such a bright, cheerful instructress, and 
makes study a delight to her pupils; but it is real 
work in the school-room, and she never tolerates 
slovenly recitations or exercises among them, and they 
know it. But when the lessons are ended, she closes 
her book, and says, “On with your hats, children; 
for we are bound for the woods to-day.” 

She has the five eldest under her care — Harold, 
Mary, Wilbur, Allan, and Madge. Little Flo steps 
in now and then, but, rather too frisky for the school- 
room, she is sent off to the nursery; but she always 
joins the excursions out of doors, and they return 
with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes, telling me 
what a lovely walk they have had with dear Miss 
Spencer — little Flo very proud when she brings 
mamma a lovely bouquet of wild flowers. 

Sometimes they stop on their way home to inquire 
about little Johnny Haule, who is confined to his bed 
with spine disease; or step in at old Aunty Weston’s, 
generally leaving some little gift of love; for Miss 


MY NURSERY. 


23 


Spencer is careful to cultivate the moral as well as 
the intellectual side of her pupils. 

We have lunch at twelve o’clock; for husband 
does not come home until six, when we have supper. 

Edward is such an affectionate father, and it is so 
sweet to see how the children love him. The whole 
company watch for him, and even little Flora toddles 
off at the end of the procession to meet papa, always 
sure to be caught up in his dear arms — a proud and 
happy little queen, to be sure. 

After supper, papa gathers the flock around him, 
and they have a merry time, playing games with dear 
Edward; and I think of Longfellow’s sweet poem 
when I see him thus besieged : 

“ They climb up into my turret 

O’er the arms and back of my chair; 

If I try to escape, they surround me; 

They seem to be everywhere. 

They almost devour me with kisses, 

• Their arms about me entwine, 

Till I think of the bishop of Bingen 
In his mouse-tower on the Rhine ! 

Do you think, 0 blue-eyed banditti, 

Because you have scaled the wall, 

Such an old mustache as I am 
Is not a match for you all? 

I have you fast in my fortress, 

And will not let you depart, 

But put you down into the dungeon 
In the round-tower of my heart. 


24 


CROWN JEWELS. 


And there will I keep you forever—' 

Yes, forever and a day — 

Till the walls shall crumble to ruin 
And molder in dust away.” 

Our family worship is so delightful; for Miss Spen- 
cer is a finished performer, and we have charming 
music, in which the children join with their sweet 
young voices. Then Edward knows just how to make 
the service edifying to young people — never long and 
prosy, but short, fervent, and practical. I know that 
it is a blessed means of grace to the dear children, 
and they will never forget the earnest prayers that 
ascend morning and evening from the family altar. 

Harold is thirteen — a handsome, intelligent boy, 
with a strong, imperious will, but a warm, loving heart. 

Mary, my second, we call our morning glory; for 
she is always the same happy child, spreading sun- 
shine everywhere, very proud of Harold, who lords it 
over his gentle sister with a kingly sway. 

Wilbur, our third, is a very thoughtful boy, fond 
of study, with an eye for the beautiful, but very 
sensitive. 

Madge is a merry sprite, her ringing laugh filling 
the house with glee; w r e sometimes call her Madge 
Wildfire. She has a jolly comrade in Brother Allan, 
a warm-hearted, frolicsome boy, but disposed to be 
idle, his unsteady character often making me anxious. 

Flora, our youngest, is the sweet pet of the house- 
hold. 

It is the one desire of my heart that in the days 


MY NURSERY. 


25 


of their youth they may become the dear children 
of God. 

It was in early girlhood that I gave myself to the 
Lord, and in giving my children to him I am only 
giving him his own, for not to do it would be rob- 
bing God. 

I remember that the knowledge and fear of the 
Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and so I humbly 
sow the seed, looking to the Lord for his blessing, 
praying with them often and heartily. 

But I see the germs of an evil nature among them; 
and yesterday I was so grieved to see Harold exercis- 
ing his power over his gentle sister. 

They are taking lessons in riding, and yesterday it 
was Mary’s turn ; but Harold had set his heart upon 
going, and I overheard their talk on the piazza. 

“ I think you might let me go, Harold,” she said; 
“for you rode yesterday, and twice last week, and I 
have only rode once.” 

“I am the oldest, Mary,” he replied, “and ought 
to have the first choice; and you’re only a girl, and 
can go just as well after supper.” 

Then I stepped out, and told Harold that “I had 
overheard their talk, and was so much ashamed of 
my son.” 

“ He always makes me give up, mamma,” she said, 
with her eyes full of tears. 

“ She’s such a cry-baby, mamma,” he replied. “I 
do n’t. see why she can’t ride after supper, just as well.” 

“I suppose that she could,” I answered; “but it 


26 


CROWN JEWELS. 


grieves me to see how you forget that Mary is your 
sister, and, as a little lady, is entitled to courtesy at 
the hands of her brother.” 

“ He can go, mamma,” she said, with her usual 
sweetness, “for I do n’t like to make a disturbance.” 

“ I would rather that you should go, Mary,” I 
said, “for Harold must not be encouraged in his at- 
tempts at ruling.” 

“But, mamma,” she replied, so sweetly, “it 
would n’t give me any pleasure to make Harold un- 
happy, and now, really, I would rather go after 
supper.” 

“ You are a dear, sweet girl,” he said, kissing her 
affectionately, “ and I know that I ought to be ashamed 
of myself.” 

And so they settled it between them; but Harold 
took a short ride, and, returning very soon, he saw Mary 
seated on the pony, saying, as he gave her the reins: 

“ I would rather have you take your ride now, 
sister.” 

“ Thank you, Harold dear,” she said, as she 
touched the pony with her whip, and was soon off on 
a gentle canter. 

“ That was right, my son,” I said, laying my hand 
upon the boy’s head ; and the bright eyes returned 
the glance of love, as he replied : 

“I’ll try to do better, mamma; but I do love to 
be master.” 

“Think of the Great Master who made himself a 
servant, Harold.” 


MY NURSERY. 


27 


“ But I ’m so far away from him, mamma,” was 
the low reply. 

I look around at the dear group of immortals in 
my nursery, and see six crown jewels to polish for the 
Savior’s diadem. May they all be found when he 
gathers up the precious blood-bought gems, not one 
missing on that solemn day! 


28 


CROWN JEWELS . 


Cl^ptef V. 

SPRING BLOSSOMS. 

S URELY it was meant that God’s little children 
should be brought up among his works. We 
thought so when we chose a home in the coun- 
try for the early years of our darlings. 

L The crowded streets and human bustle of a 
® great city seem so unwholesome to the opening 
nature of sweet childhood ; but here at Shadyside 
every object speaks of the power and goodness of the 
Father of us all. 

It is the early spring-time, when the world is full 
of music, the fragrance of sweet flowers perfuming 
the air. 

Instead of the Babel street cries, our children 
awake every day among the songs of birds, and when 
they look around them in our happy home they are 
quite surrounded by pictures of beauty. 

The entrance to our house is through a grove of 
grand old trees, under which are scattered many seats 
for the weary. Just in front of the house are lovely 
flower-beds, and just now the early Spring flowers are 
putting on their delicate robes. If we look out of our 
back windows we have a view of rolling hills, the 
landscape dotted over with neat farm houses, a silvery 


SPAING BLOSSOMS. 


29 


stream winding its gentle course through the lovely 
picture. 

Cattle are seen browsing in the fields, and all the 
sights and sounds speak a soft language of quiet 
beauty. Here we are in the midst of the works of 
God, where every thing is calculated to draw the 
heart heavenward. Harold has the eye of an artist, 
and points out the beauties of the landscape, the fleecy 
clouds, the green fields, the rolling hills, *all have 
their charms for our gifted boy, but we are often 
amused when Madge says: “You must have sharp 
eyes, Harold, for I don’t see such beautiful pictures.” 

We see the enlivening influence of nature’s smiles 
in the rosy cheeks, bright eyes, strong frames, and 
cheerful spirits of our dear children, and every day 
Miss Spencer is careful to take them among these 
lovely scenes. Sometimes to the woods, where in the 
early springtime they search for the trailing arbutus 
under the soft moss, sometimes to the shady valleys, 
where they gather the early violets, or along the banks 
of the creek, where they sit under the shade of green 
trees, watching the rippling of the little waves stirred 
by the breath of the Spring breezes. 

There is a swing formed by a grape-vine, on the 
branches of a spreading tree, and the children enjoy 
the sport on the slender vine, never thinking of 
danger. 

The other day Madge was in her wild mood, and, 
though frequently warned, persisted in violent motions 
of the slender bough. Suddenly there was a crack, 


30 


CROWN JEWELS. 


then a crash, and Madge was plunged into the stream, 
but Harold was after her in a moment and soon 
brought out the child, thoroughly drenched. 

She was more mortified than hurt, for she knew 
that it was her own fault; but Mary brought her up 
kindly to the house and changed her clothes, just 
whispering a few gentle words of reproof. 

I had to give another private lecture about her 
carelessness, and I often wonder if Madge will ever 
learn to be obedient. 

The other day they started with their baskets in 
search of wild flowers, and returned with some of the 
sweetest, for I think the pale loveliness of the Spring 
flowers is so very charming. 

They are fond of excursions on the water, and we 
have a boat moored to the bank of the creek, and our 
boys are quite skillful in rowing the little bark along 
the silver stream, but Miss Spencer always accompan- 
ies them, for we can not trust the wild adventures of 
let-loose children. 

Mary and Iiarold have charge of a flower-bed, aud 
it is so pleasant to watch them looking for the sprout- 
ing of the younger seeds which their hands have 
planted. 

When the first buds appear, and then the blossoms, 
their young hearts overflow with joy, and I hear Mary 
talking to the children about the good God who 
spreads such lovely flowers for his children. 

Out in the fruit-orchard, too, we trace their young 
footsteps, where the air is fragrant with the sweet 


SPRING BL OSS 0 MS. 


31 


blossoms, for Edward has pears and apples in great 
variety, and we look forward to a fine crop. Tlieir 
innocent love for all God’s creatures is developed 
here, for I have tried to teach them from earliest days 
not to harm even ai\ insect in its proper home. 

They are wonderfully interested in the bee-hive, 
and Miss Spencer has taught them many a sweet les- 
son from these busy little creatures in their miniature 
world, where monarch and subject dwell together so 
harmoniously. 

I like to see them so good to the cows, for they 
are well acquainted with the brown-eyed creatures. 
We have only two, but they will both race after our 
children to get their handful of salt. I have seen 
such cruelty in children toward the brute creation 
that I have taken great pains to teach them better 
lessons, and I know that neither of them would harm 
Brindle or Whiteface for the world. The horses, too, 
know our children, and the pony has many a game of 
merry romps with the boys, playing with them just 
like a dog. 

The girls are great friends to the poultry, and have 
named all the roosters and hens according to their 
characters. So we have the General, the Major, 
Spunk, and Little Strut among the roosters; Nelly, 
Speckle, Flirt, and Frisk among the hens. 

After breakfast, off to the barn-yard. Mary and 
Madge call their pets around them, and after feeding 
the domestic fowls scamper off to the green trees, 
where they gather their feathered friends, and it is a 


32 


CROWN JEWELS. 


pretty sight to watch the sweet song-birds hopping 
after the girls, lighting on their fingers sometimes, for 
they are very tame little creatures, under the ministry 
of childish love. 

Once I asked Signor Blitz how he tamed his can- 
aries, wondering if he ever disciplined them. Smiling 
in his own peculiar way, he replied, “O yes, ma’am, 
we use a little straw with the refractory, but our 
mode of training is really through the appetite, giving 
them something nice when they learn a new trick.” 

Who can calculate the influence of such surround- 
ings upon the character of our children, and it is 
among such lovely pictures that they are trained. 

Miss Spencer is well fitted to lead their young 
hearts from nature up to nature’s God, and when they 
bring in their lovely flowers she is never at a loss, but 
in her own bright way teaches them to trace their 
families, to class them, and to admire the wisdom and 
goodness that takes such care of the flowers, season 
after season spreading the sweet bloom even over a 
world desolated by sin. I heard her the other day 
telling them that the death of Jesus holds back the 
vials of deserved wrath, so that, although men are so 
wicked, the smiles of God are seen yet in the lovely 
flowers for Jesus’ sake. 

The ^Vinter spreads its gloomy pall over the earth, 
when all the plants seem dead, but with the breath 
of the smiling Spring we see the pure snow-drop pierc- 
ing the frozen earth, hear the singing of the streams 
so long confined, see the clouds flying in lovely groups 


SPUING BLOSSOMS. 


33 


over the landscape, and soon the early song birds tell 
us that nature is awake once more. 

I love to listen to Miss Spencer when she points 
out so eloquently the types of resurrection by which 
we are surrounded, when every Spring, with its heav- 
enly voices, proclaims the truth that, though man 
dies, he will rise again, and if a soul redeemed by the 
blood of Jesus will shine forth in the glory of a new 
creation. 

The other day I saw her bring out a little paper 
of dry seeds, which looked so withered. 

“But they are not dead,” she said; “there is a 
germ of life in them, though they look so dry; for a 
few weeks ago I planted just such seeds, and now look 
here, I have plucked up some of the little seeds. You 
see that the seed has rotted, and out of its decay 
there are some shoots piercing the earth downward, 
and these are roots; some sprouting upward are the 
shoots of the ) T oung plant. And so it is with those 
human frames of ours — we plant the remains of those 
we love in the ground, but by and by the germ of 
immortal life will burst the tomb, and the new creature 
will come forth in a glorified form, more beautiful 
than these lovely flowers, to die no more.” 

And so my Spring blossoms are nurtured among 
the beautiful leaves of nature’s book, away from the 
din and bustle of city life, where they never see a 
sensational paper, read an improper book, or mingle 
with the promiscuous crowd of the great metropolis. 
May the Holy Spirit breathe upon my Spring blos- 

3 


34 


CROWN JEWELS. 


soms, that they may thus become plants of righteous- 
ness, spared to labor for the dear Lord who died for 
their redemption. I watch and pray daily for that 
breath from heaven which alone can regenerate the 
soul. 


WEEDS IN MY GARDEN. 


35 


Cl\hptef VI. 


WEEDS IN MY GARDEN. 



T is in children's plays that we see so much of 
their real character; and I often sit, quietly 


looking on, gathering much help in my domes- 
Kj tic training. Harold is always king; Mary, 


yielding and unselfish ; Wilbur, her champion ; 


® Madge, a harum-scarum child, with a fiery 
temper and a warm heart; and Allan, just a lazy, 
self-indulgent boy. 

It was a rainy day, and the children were confined 
to the house after school-hours. They brought out 
their games, and for an hour amused themselves with 
intellectual pleasures. Harold is not fond of historical 
games, for Wilbur is always ahead of him, and he can 
never bear to be second; but in games of strength he 
excels, and so they have a good romping play, Har- 
old always victorious. * 

I sat at the window very quiet, with my sewing, 
watching the group, and at last Harold was so whim- 
sical that, tired of all the plays, he threw down his 
ball, and, seizing the best chair, planted himself with 
his book near the window, and, with his feet stretched 
out upon another chair, looked comfortable. 

Mary and Madge paired off with their dolls in a 


36 


CROWN JEWELS. 


quiet corner, and Allan took a seat near enough to 
tease his sisters, while Wilbur, with pencil and paper, 
amused himself with sketching. 

Harold is a bright, handsome boy, and I look at 
his flashing eye and firm lip, and, watching his move- 
ments, I see in all the imperious will that proclaims 
him king everywhere. If all this strength can only 
be directed in the way of right and holy living, soft- 
ened by the sweet charities of the Gospel of love, what 
a noble man he will make! And yet, when little Flo 
fell off the chair and hurt herself, Harold was the first 
to kiss our pet and make her well. But why does he 
lord it over Mary? I suppose it is the consciousness 
of power ; but we are all proud of our brilliant Harold. 

Wilbur is a promising boy, but so devoted to his 
studies that he can ’t bear interruption from any 
source, and I am sorry to see him often very irrita- 
ble when any one interferes with his papers. Madge 
is his particular pest; for she loves to tease Wilbur, 
hiding his drawings, mislaying his books, and annoy- 
ing him by her tricks. 

I went out of the room for a few minutes, and 
when I returned the nursery was in a blaze. 

I asked what was the matter; for Wilbur was toss- 
ing the papers about in his desk, and Madge sat cry- 
ing with passion. 

“ She is always meddling, mamma,” he said; “and 
yesterday I put my drawing in my portfolio, and now 
it is gone.” 

“ I thought I put it back again, mamma,” she 


WEEDS IN MY GARDEN. 


37 


sobbed. “I am almost sure I did; but Wilbur is so 
unkind — he calls me dreadful names, mamma, and I 
do n’t love him.” 

Dear Mary stepped forward, with her peace- 
making words. 

“Madge didn’t mean to lose your drawing, Wil- 
bur; just forgive her, this once.” 

In the confusion I thought perhaps the drawing 
had been overlooked, and, quietly turning over the 
boy’s papers, I found it all safe under a pile of books. 

“ Now, Wilbur, I hope you are ready to ask your 
sister’s pardon,” I said. 

“But she did meddle with it, mamma, or else it 
would have been in the portfolio. But I ’m sorry for 
the names that I called her.” 

Our darling Flo had her own sweet words, too; 
and, taking Madge by the hand, she led her to her 
brother, and, placing her hand in Wilbur’s palm, 
she said : 

“Just forgive her this time, Brother Will.” 

And when he kissed poor Madge, little Flo wiped 
her sister’s eyes, saying, so sweetly: 

“ There now, darling Madgie, do n’t cry any more; 
now we are all loving children again.” 

And thus the quarrel was settled by our dear little 
peacemaker. 

After dinner, Flo ran to the window, calling out: 

“There’s the bright sun, Miss Spencer; now we 
can take our walk.” 

Soon equipped, the children were ready for the 


38 


CROWN JEWELS. 


walk — all except Allan, who had failed in all his les- 
sons. And even little’ Flo’s intercession was in vain; 
for Miss Spencer said : 

“ If we let such neglect pass unpunished, Allan 
will grow up to be a miserable, lazy man.” 

“Shall I stay with him, mamma?” the little girl 
asked; “ he will be so lonesome.” 

“I think not, my dear,” I replied; “Allan has 
been idle and disobedient, and must pay the penalty 
of wrong-doing.” 

But w r hen she came into the room, dressed for the 
walk, she stole up to Allan, and, throwing her arm 
about his neck, she kissed him, saying: 

“I so sorry, brother dear; but you’ll try to be a 
good boy — and here ’s a nice peach for you.” 

I saw them start off under the care of their faith- 
ful teacher, and Flo kissed her hand to Allan, who 
stood at the window, watching them. 

There is one hour sacred to my children ; and after 
family prayer I called Harold to my side, and we had 
a long, loving talk about his faults, and, bow r ed before 
the mercy -seat, we prayed together, and I felt that it 
was a blessed refuge for a weary heart to bring my 
precious children to a Savior’s feet. 

“I know that I have great faults, mamma,” he 
said; “but it’s my nature, and how can I help it?” 

“Listen, Harold,” I replied, with my arm around 
his waist and his cheek upon my shoulder: “‘Take 
my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek 
and lowly in heart.’” 


WEEDS IN MY GARDEN. 


39 


Harold was serious all tlie evening, and I observed 
that he was very tender to his sister Madge, who was 
still under a cloud. 

I think of my children’s faults, and in some form 
or other I see self-will at the root of all : in Harold, 
the love of ruling; in Wilbur, conscious superiority; 
in Madge, thoughtless levity; in Allan, willful self- 
indulgence. But in the sweet traits of our Mary we 
see that lowly self-denial which leads me to hope that 
she is in that blessed school where she is learning 
from the Master the blessedness of that grace which 
“seeketh not her own.*’ Only a Savior’s hand can 
mold these hearts anew, and every day I take them 
and leave them at his blessed feet. 

It is true that I see weeds in my garden, trying to 
choke the good seed; but I know that only the Good 
Husbandman can root them out of nature’s corrupt 
soil. O, for the Spirit of my dear Lord ! O, for the 
mind of Christ, that, dwelling in me in all its full- 
ness, I may shed the light of holiness upon my dar- 


40 


CROWN JEWELS. 


VII. 

DOMESTIC SUNSHINE. 

Aj^URS is indeed a liappy fireside, where Edward 
Om/ and I walk together in the blessedness of a 
true Christian union. I have sought so earn- 
estly to bring our children into intimate rela- 
tionship with the dear Lord. It is not into 

5 the ineffable glory of our ascended Lord that I 
seek to bring them, but into the sweet companionship 
of a holy humanity, knowing that the one might chill 
the trembling hearts; but I try to bring the Savior 
into our family as a daily guest, guiding, blessing, 
controlling. 

It is his blessed words that are daily remembered 
in our family circle, and I often find dear Mary com- 
ing to me with questions about a doubtful course of 
conduct, saying so meekly : 

“What does our dear Lord say, mamma?” 

Dear child, she seems to realize that she is as truly 
his as our child. 

Wilbur, too, has the same thoughtful spirit, and 
little Flo, I am sure, is one of his dear lambs. 

I have seen no such marks yet in Harold ; but I 
believe that God hears and answers prayer, and so I 
cany them all day by day to the Savior’s feet. 


DOMESTIC SUNSHINE. 


41 


Edward is such a help, his manly piety and wise 
government so judicious. 

I know, too, that the children all respect and love 
their father, and I bless God every day for such a 
Christian head of our happy household. 

Every day the younger children come to me after 
family prayer to recite their verse of a hymn and 
psalm, and then say their prayers, the older ones recit- 
ing passages of Scripture and a hymn ; but they have 
been taught that their own quiet room is the closet 
into which the Savior calls them. Little Flo says her 
verse and her sweet prayer; then, with a merry bound, 
she kisses mamma, and runs off to her sports. But I 
never neglect my Bible-reading and short prayer with 
my darlings. On Saturday I spend an hour in the 
school-room examining the lessons of the week. These 
are happy days to the children, and who can tell what 
joy to the mother? 

Sundays are our blessed days, when they often step 
in before we are up, with the bright, happy Sunday 
look, standing at our bedside singing sweet hymns, 

“ Put the spade and wheel away, 

Do no weary work to-day,” 

Being a great favorite. We always sing a hymn at 
family prayers, Mary sometimes playing very sweetly, 
for when Miss Spencer is not well it is such a pleas- 
ure for her to lead the music. Papa and I are very 
busy on Sunday, for both of us teach in the Sunday- 
school, all our children going with us but our little Flo. 

After dinner is the children’s time with their father. 


42 


CROWX JEWELS. 


when the younger ones climb on his knee and say 
their hymn and psalm, which they had learned for 
Sunday. 

In the afternoon I hear them say their catechism, 
and the hour after supper is entirely devoted to them, 
when I talk to them about sweet Sunday pictures or 
read some interesting book. Thus we occupy the 
ground of their young hearts with good and whole- 
some seed, leaving no room for Satan’s tares. They 
are learning how to be useful, too, for last Saturday 
Mary showed me a shirt that she is making for Har- 
old, and wild little Madge brought some pretty patch- 
work, but little Flo is too young to do such work. 

Thus our darlings are taught that, because God 
made them, they are his children and bound to serve 
him ; but we long to see them his children in a dearer, 
holier bond by adoption and grace, serving him 
because they love him. 

Edward is such a wise father, never giving heedless 
■commands, but when he does command he requires 
obedience. I saw an instance of that yesterday. Har- 
old had been directed to take a basket of vegetables 
to old Mrs. Hart, a poor woman who lives not far 
from Shadyside, and when papa returned he found 
that Harold had forgotten it. 

“I am very sorry,” said papa, “for since you have 
been so negligent I shall have to leave you at home 
when we take our ride after tea.” 

“I am sorry too, papa,” Harold replied, but he 
■did not ask to be excused, for he knew that papa was 


DOMESTIC SUNSHINE. 


43 


very careful to keep liis word, even though it pained 
him. 

Harold saw the party drive off ; but quite sure that 
he deserved punishment, he settled himself with his 
book upon the piazza. 

“There’s no use in fretting, mamma,” he said, “for 
I never knew papa to break his word, and I guess 
he’s right.” 

When they returned the children did not add to 
Harold’s disappointment by glowing accounts of their 
ride, but as soon as Mary had disrobed she hurried 
to Harold’s side, and by her pleasant chat soon dis- 
persed the cloud upon his bright face. On the follow- 
ing Sunday we observed a family of strangers in a 
pew near the door, and as there were several young 
people ours were anxious to know who they were. 
They were plainly dressed, but there was that in their 
deportment which attracted us, and, making inquiries, 
we found that it was a family who had rented a small 
farm near Shadyside. 

Mr. Bronson had been a merchant, but in days 
when so many went down he was one of the unfortu- 
nates. Making an honorable failure he remembered 
that his early days were spent upon a farm, and his 
faithful wife encouraged the idea of taking this small 
place and coming into market with country produce. 

Edward and I lost no time in calling upon our 
neighbors, found them both intelligent and refined, 
and the family such as we should choose as compan- 
ions for our children. 


44 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Mrs. Bronson, in her calico dress and white apron, 
was a sweet picture of a farmer’s wife, but it was 
very plain that they had seen better days. 

On our second visit we took Harold and Wilbur 
with us, and as we passed into the farm-house Harold 
observed a boy of his own age in very rough attire, 
carrying a bucket of slops to the pigs, and a girl 
rather older on the way to the barn-yard to milk 
the cows. 

“Is that your son, Mr. Bronson?” asked Edward. 

“Yes, sir; Fred is a good boy, and stoops cheer- 
fully to his work. It is not just what we wish for our 
boy, for he is an intelligent lad, but our Master knows 
W’hat is best.” 

Then the mother spoke: 

“We have reason to thank God for having given 
us such good children, for Fred and Sarah are the 
very light of our eyes.” 

When Fred came in among us I saw that Harold 
was very cool to the boy, but Wilbur behaved like a 
little gentleman, that he was. 

A few words from Mr. Bronson led Edward to see 
that his neighbor was a man to be honored, and whose 
acquaintance he meant to cultivate. 

On our way home papa turned the conversation 
into a channel that gave our boys food for thought. 

“That’s a family worth knowing,” said papa. 

I saw a question in Harold’s eyes as he replied: 

“Pretty rough-looking children, papa, I think.” 

“But I thought that Fred Bronsou was a boy to 


D OMES TIC S UNSHINE. 


45 


be honored,” said papa, “ when I heard how he had 
been disappointed in his hopes of a finished education.” 

“He looked like one of the commonest of farm- 
boys, papa,” Harold said. 

“Yes, that is true, but when I heard the story of 
Mr. Bronson’s misfortunes and the boy’s courage, I 
must say that I honor him.” 

Next day we received a visit from Mrs. Carter 
and her two children in her elegant carriage, with 
driver and footman in livery. 

The lady was dressed in the height of fashion, her 
son, Jerome, a young exquisite, and her daughter, 
Adele, a girl of the period. I was sorry to see Har- 
old paying court to this party, who had nothing but 
wealth, for its attendants and pleasures were the only 
subjects of conversation during their visit. 

Jerome talked about his fast horse and his yacht, 
and Adele about her pony-carriage, her French wait- 
ing-maid, and the latest fashions. 

I tried to turn the conversation into something a 
little sensible, but it was in vain, and I thought how 
much better the new family at the farm-house ap- 
peared to me in their changed fortunes than this 
purse-proud lady and her foolish children. 

“Isn’t that a splendid turn-out?” said Harold, as 
they drove away. 

“Yes, my son, very splendid,” I replied; “but we 
heard more sense in the hour that we spent with the 
Bronsons than we would hear for a whole day with 
poor Mrs. Carter.” 


46 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ I snppose it is so, mamma,” he replied; “but I 
do like style, indeed I do.” 

“Don’t forget, my son,” I said, “that there is an 
honor that comes from God ; always prefer that, Har- 
old, to the honor that comes from man. It is only 
courteous to return this visit, but I would much rather 
that you should make companions of the Bronsons. 
Goodness and true refinement before wealth — remem- 
ber that, my son.” 

Edward soon gathered the Bronson children into 
the Sunday-school, and when dressed in their best 
suits it was plainly seen that they belonged to a higher 
class than rough country children. 

On Saturday afternoon we* invited Fred and Sarah 
Bronson to take tea with us. They did not come 
very early, for they had some tasks to finish first ; but 
when the two entered our parlor in their neat attire, 
and took their place among us, I knew that they were 
gentle folks. 

Ho doubt they had been accustomed to elegance in 
their city home, for there was no vulgar curiosity, 
but quite at their ease among us, they joined pleas- 
antly in familiar chat. 

When Harold took them into the library I saw 
that Fred was quite at home with some of the best 
authors, and I am pretty sure that Harold was uot a 
little confused when Fred talked so sensibly, and yet 
so modestly, about facts of history. I must say that I 
was pleased to see Harold have to take a back seat 
in the presence of this bright boy, if he is my son. 


DOMESTIC SUNSHINE. 


47 


They were well acquainted with the etiquette of table- 
manners, and when papa addressed his conversation to 
Fred I was so pleased to hear his intelligent remarks, 
for it seems that he reads the papers and forms his 
own conclusions. 

After tea we had some games on the lawn, in which 
papa and I joined. 

“This is really pleasant,” said Fred, “so like my 
father, for he was always one of us in our better days; 
but now it’s all work and no play.” 

A little tired, Edward took his seat by the boy, 
and I overheard some of their chat. 

“Yes,” I heard him say, “it was a great disap- 
pointment, for I was preparing for college; but when 
my father failed I was ready to share his misfortunes, 
as I had been so blessed in his prosperity.” 

“How do you propose to finish your education, 
Fred?” 

I saw the boy smile as he replied: “I must go to 
the country school, like the rest; but I don’t feel as 
if I shall always be a farm boy ; I think a way will 
open for me.” 

I saw Edward clasp the boy’s hand, saying so 
heartily : 

“God will bless you, Fred.” 

“Yes,” he replied, “I think he will; but I miss 
my books so much, for I had a share in the library in 
the city.” 

“You are welcome to any books in ours, Fred,” 
he said. 


48 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Thank you, sir, I am so glad, for I can find time 
to read in the evening.” 

Then we adjourned to the parlor, and we enter- 
tained them with some music, of which they seemed 
very fond, the two making remarks which showed 
cultivated taste. They had fine voices, and Sarah 
played some lovely airs, the brother and sister sing- 
ing charmingly. 

“We’ve had a pleasant evening, Mr. Cuthbert,” 
said Fred, as he stood, hat in hand, to take leave. 

“I can assure you that I have enjoyed it,” said 
Edward, “and hope that we shall often see you in 
our family circle.” 

As they closed the gate I said: 

“Well, Harold, what do you think of our neigh- 
bors?” 

“I think it’s a great pity that such a boy should 
have to carry slops to the pigs.” 

“But remember, Harold,” I replied, “that pov- 
erty is no disgrace, for our Lord chose his apostles 
from among the lowliest, and his dearest friends were 
among the poor ; so he has taught us by his example 
how to balance wealth and goodness.” 

“If he were here in person,” said Mary, “I guess 
he would have laid his hand in blessing upon Fred; 
but how about Jerome and Adcle Carter?” 

I replied, “ I think he would have said, ‘ Seek 
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.’ ” 


THE CHURCH IN OUR HOUSE . 


49 


VIII. 

THE CHURCH IN OUR HOUSE. 

^ HAVE often been struck with the language of 
Jr the epistles when speaking of the primitive 
believers. 

As there was no place of public Christian 
L worship in those early days, we read the ex- 

® pression of “the Church in their house,” when 

speaking of the worship in those times; and when I 
see dear Edward's ministry in our household it seems 
not improper to speak of “the Church in our house,” 
for it is so impressive that we always seem surrounded 
by a holy atmosphere. 

Our family prayers are not a cold, dry, or formal 
service; but, gushing warm from the heart, it interests 
all the household, for all attend upon these services — 
children, servauts, all who dwell beneath our roof. 

AVe read generally from the New Testament, espe- 
cially the words and acts of our dear Lord, Edward 
making a few practical remarks. 

Miss Spencer leads the music; and as our children 
have good voices it is a delightful part of our service, 
even little Flo joining w 7 ith her sweet voice when she 
knows the hymns, and papa sometimes selects a hymn 
4 


50 


CROWN JEWELS. 


just to please the dear child — “I am so glad that 
Jesus loves me” being a great favorite. 

The children repeat a text daily, and on Sunday 
morning they recite the whole — three hundred and 
sixty-five in a year. Think of the treasure that my 
crown jewels are storing away. 

We have a bank for family charities standing al- 
ways on the mantel-piece, in which we drop our mites, 
and are often surprised to see how much is collected 
in this way when we open our bank. 

Edward sometimes pays a visit to the factories in 
our neighborhood, and the other day we went to- 
gether. I saw that he was a welcome guest among 
the operatives; for he walked among them as one of 
the same brotherhood, asking kindly questions about 
their work and their homes. I heard him say that 
he had something in store for them at Shadyside, and 
he invited men and women to meet him there on 
Saturday night. 

He told me, on our way home, that he intended to 
give them an exhibition of the magic lantern; “but 
I do n’t mean that it shall stop there,” he added. 

When Saturday night arrived, quite a goodly num- 
ber of both sexes came, and were most pleasantly 
entertained by my husband. Then he told them that 
he had a large number of pictures from the Bible, 
and if they would meet him on Saturday evenings he 
would promise to do all that he could to interest them. 

One dozen came to the first meeting; since then it 
has been constantly on the increase. 


THE CHURCH IN OUR HOUSE. 


51 


Thus, from small beginnings, Edward’s Bible-class 
started, and I know now that it is on a sure founda- 
tion. It is so heart-cheering to see with what delight 
the members study the blessed Word. 

Even some of the Roman Catholics step in some- 
times with their work-fellows; but we soon miss them, 
for when the priest knows of their attendance on the 
class at Shadyside there is a speedy end of all that. 

Edward interests himself, too, in their temporal 
welfare; for frequently I see one or two remaining, 
after the class is closed, to ask advice or tell of trou- 
bles, and Edward is always ready to listen. 

Doctor Crofton steps in occasionally to cheer his 
faithful laborer, and says, “We may call this * the 
Church in our house;’ for here is family worship, do- 
mestic training, and brotherly love; here, too, a little 
missionary society; here the teaching of God’s Holy 
Word; and here, too, I am gathering accessions to 
the Church, for every Sunday I see some new-comer, 
and this is the work of my assistant minister.” 

Edward is, indeed, the priest of his household, his 
lovely Christian character giving power to his teach- 
ing; for his life does not contradict his words. 

The women, too, are deeply interested; and almost 
every evening one, or perhaps more, of these, my 
heavy-laden sisters, seek the sympathy of Christian 
kindness, aud I am to give them my little help. 

Thus I am becoming acquainted with the poor, 
and my visits at their home3 grow out of this even- 
ing class. 


52 


CROWN JEWELS. 


We have a library, too; and it is so cheering to 
see how eager they all are to get these attractive books. 

I often observed a sorrowful woman among the lis- 
teners; and, finding that she remained one evening 
after the class had closed, I took my seat by her side, 
when she told me the story of her trials. 

She was a widow, with but one son, who had hith- 
erto been a kind, dutiful boy; but Mike had got into 
bad company, and for the last six mouths had gone 
far, far astray. Poor Mrs. Sullivan seemed heart- 
broken, for her affections were set upon this one child. 

“ Can ’t you persuade him to come to the Bible- 
class?” I asked. 

“ I have often tried,” she replied; “ but he has no 
taste for such good things now, spending his evenings 
with his bad companions, often coming home at mid- 
night.” 

I listened with a full heart to her sorrowful story, 
and felt that I must be brought closer to these toil- 
ing women; and I invited them to meet me on Friday 
evenings, when we would have a mother’s meeting. 

Six came, and I had provided myself with work 
already cut out, which was distributed among them 
when finished. It was really a pleasant sight to see 
them so cheerfully at work, and a more delightful task 
to tell them of the love of Jesus, who sympathized so 
tenderly with the poor and the suffering when he 
tarried among us. 

Mrs. Bronson has come among us as a helper, and 
a most efficient worker she is. 


THE CHURCH IN OUR HOUSE. 


53 


We always closed our meetings with a hymn; and 
in a few weeks our numbers had multiplied, so natu- 
rally, for the women had told each other what might 
be found at Shadyside. 

Edward’s class prospered also; for the room was 
full now, and the men seemed deeply interested in 
the study of the Bible. 

One evening Mr. Bronson and Fred stepped in 
among us, and I saw that Edward was embarrassed 
by the presence of his intelligent listeners, for the 
members were from the poorer classes, mostly from 
the factories. But I heard Mr. Bronson tell him that 
he considered it a great privilege to study the blessed 
Word in such a company; “for you know, my friend,” 
he said, “that we are all learners.” 

I was so glad to see Fred, for I hoped he might 
be able to do something with Mike Sullivan ; and after 
the meeting closed I told him the boy’s history and 
the mother’s grief. 

He promised me that he would try to bring him 
to the class; “but I must n’t go too fast,” he said. 

After a few evenings, Fred told me of the progress 
of his acquaintance with the boy, and I was quite 
amused by the wisdom displayed. 

Thus he told his story: 

“ I found that Mike was very fond of base ball, 
and I went occasionally to the ground where the boys 
played. I soon singled out Mike Sullivan, and, un- 
derstanding the game pretty well, Mike felt much re- 
spect for a boy that could beat him at the game ; but 


54 


CROWN JEWELS. 


I was careful to conceal all knowledge of Mike’s evil 
ways, for thus I knew that he would be scared off*. 

“ One afternoon, when we were tired, we two boys 
sat down to rest, and I asked after Mike’s mother. 

“ ‘She is not very well,’ he replied; ‘for mother 
has to work very hard.’ 

“ ‘ It must be a pleasant task for you to help her/ 
I said. 

“Mike turned a sudden look upon my face, as if 
to question my knowledge of his ways, and replied : 

“ ‘ I can ’t do much; for my wages are very little. 

“ ‘ But of course you give all to your good mother/ 
I said; ‘for she loves you very fondly, Mike/ 

“‘Of course I don’t/ he answered; ‘for after a 
hard day’s work a fellow must have a little amuse- 
ment.’ 

‘ ‘ I found that he was fond of these sports, and 
gave him some tools for a game of cricket, which I 
taught him, and thus got hold of Mike.” 

“What do you hope for, Fred?” I asked. 

“Just to bring him to the Bible-class, Mrs. Cuth- 
bert,” was his reply. 

I was, therefore, not much surprised to see Fred 
bringing the boy; and it did my heart good to see 
Mrs. Sullivan’s grateful look when she saw her son 
thus introduced. 

That evening Edward’s subject was the Prodigal 
Son; and when he described the repentance of the 
wanderer, and the forgiving love of the father, I saw 
that Mrs. Sullivan’s face was bathed in tears. 


THE CHURCH IN OUR HOUSE. 


55 


Mike, too, seemed affected when Edward applied 
the parable to the case of poor, wandering boys, led 
off, as so many are, by bad companions. 

Then we sang the sweet hymn, which touched both 
mother and son : 

“ Come home ! come home ! 

You are weary at heart, 

For the way has been dark, 

And so lonely and wild. 

O prodigal child ! 

Come home, O, come home! 

Come home! come home! 

For we watch and we wait, 

And we stand at the gate, 

While the shadows are piled. 

O prodigal child! 

Come home, O, come homel 

Come home! come home! 

From the sorrow and blame, 

From the sin and the shame, 

And the tempter that smiled. 

0 prodigal child! 

Come home, 0, come home! 

Come home! come home! 

There is bread and to spare, 

And a warm welcome there; 

Then, to friends reconciled, 

O prodigal child ! 

Come home, 0, come home!” 

Mike had a warm heart, and, not entirely har- 
dened by the wickedness of his life, I saw that he was 
deeply touched; but Fred was too wise to say any 
thing to the boy just yet. 


56 


CROWN JEWELS. 


We all saw that a train of serious thought had 
been awakened in Mike’s heart, and prayed that the 
Holy Spirit might be sent to bring the boy to true 
repentance. 

He comes regularly to the class; and after a few 
weeks Fred told me that Mike had resolved to break 
away from his evil companions. 

I thought of the sweet expression in the parable, 
“And when he was yet a great way oil’, his father 
saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on 
his neck, and kissed him.” 

Mrs. Sullivan came to me with her story of Mike’s 
repentance, saying : 

“He brings me all his wages now; and I -bless 
God for sending Fred Bronson to help my boy. I 
know that he is a real Christian, Mrs. Cuthbert, and 
I believe that God has a work for him to do in this 
wicked world.” 

I believe that the Father sees poor Mike yet a 
great way off; but I can leave the case with God as 
the pardoning Father and Fred as his humble instru- 
ment. 

I have been reading to-day about Lazarus, where 
it says, so sweetly, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and 
her sister, and Lazarus.” I wonder if it can be said 
of “the Church in our house,” Now Jesus loved Ed- 
ward, and Julia, and the dear children. 


TRAINING OUR DARLINGS. 


57 


dl^hptei 4 IX. 

TRAINING OUR DARLINGS. 

AROLD is fifteen, and knowing that surround- 
ings have much to do in forming the character 
of a gentleman, we have furnished his room 
with a neat suit, a pretty carpet, some pictures, 
and quite a number of tasty things to make it 
bright and attractive for the boys, for Wilbur 
occupies the room with Harold. There is a walnut 
book-case filled with the books that they have been 
gathering from their earliest years, and being the gifts 
of dear friends even the most childish are valued for 
the sake of the givers. There are many valuable 
books there, too, and the boys are very proud of their 
library, but the picture that pleases them most is the 
family group, handsomely framed. 

The room faces the east, and I am sure that there 
is none more attractive at Shadyside than the bright 
chamber of our dear boys. Fine old trees shade the 
windows, and there is a lovely orchestra of singing 
birds that wake them up every morning with their 
sweet carols, their early song so soft and tender. 

When every thing was finished we all met in the 
boy’s room. 

There sat Harold in his comfortable chair tossing 


58 


CROWN JEWELS. 


up his handsome head, looking around as proud as a 
king, and Wilbur, too, in a more quiet way, looked 
his thanks, and, pointing with his finger at his brother, 
he said : 

“I have just told Harold that he must be a little 
more particular about his ways in this beautiful 
room.” 

“There, now, Will, don’t preach,” he said, “and 
if I forget myself sometimes I know that you ’ll look 
after me.” 

“Oughtn’t we be good boys?” Wilbur said, “with 
such kind parents. Look at that pretty pillow-sham ; 
I know whose dear hands made that,” and then he 
threw his arms around me, kissing me so fondly. 

Wilbur is by nature very neat, taking good care 
of his possessions, but Harold is not so by any means, 
and I am pretty sure that Wilbur will soon have to 
call him to account for his carelessness. 

As I looked around I thought of a boys’ room that 
I had seen once on a visit to one of Edward’s cousins. 

The house was handsomely furnished in the lower 
rooms, but I was shocked when I had a glimpse of 
the boys’ chamber. 

Covered with a ragged carpet, the bedstead, bureau, 
and wash-stand all so shabby, a broken looking-glass, 
chairs with worn-out cane seats, the bed-spread so 
soiled, every thing of the roughest kind, and Mrs. 
Hunt said : 

“We know what boys are, and so we give them 
what we do n’t care for.” 


TRAINING OUR DARLINGS. 


59 


I ventured to reply, “Do n’t you think that a neat 
chamber has a refining influence over boys?” 

Poor fellows! their manners were quite in keeping 
with their chamber. 

And we thought of all this when we furnished our 
children’s sleeping-rooms. The girls’ room is on the 
other side of the hall, and our Mary has a task before 
her in taming wild little Madge and making her 
orderly; but, if patient love can work the change, it 
will not be wanting. 

I see that she watches the child, and if there is 
any thing amiss I hear her calling: 

“Madge, I want you, just a minute, dear.” 

And the child, with a merry laugh, runs off saying: 

“I guess I didn’t put away my tooth-brush, and 
sister won’t allow that; but she is so good, I am sorry 
to worry her, but I forget so often.” 

Allan and Flo occupy little beds in the room ad- 
joining ours, and sometimes when they have retired I 
hear the little one talking so sweetly to Allan about 
the wrong-doings of the day. Last evening I heard 
one of these tender lectures: 

“What makes you plague Madgie so?” she asked; 
“you know she doesn’t like to hear about her pug 
nose.” 

“It’s only a little fun, Flo; I don’t mean any 
harm.” 

“But you see it makes Madgie angry; and I don’t 
think that our Lord likes to hear you teaze her.”- 

“You are always talking about what Jesus says, 


60 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Flo, but I am not one of the heavenly kind of boys, 
and I forget so many times.” 

“I think it’s very sweet, Allan, to try to please 
him in all that we do or say ; mamma teaches us to 
do that, doesn’t she, dear brother?” 

“Yes, she does, and I believe that she tries to 
please him; but she’s a woman, and I’m only a little 
boy.” 

“Yes, Allan, I know that; but I’m sure that Jesus 
will help us to be good, if we ask him.” 

And so they talked together a little longer, and 
then the soft, sweet silence told me that they w T ere 
asleep. 

I stepped in just a moment, and looked upon the 
sleepers, pressing a gentle kis upon their foreheads, 
and praying that God would bless my darlings, and I 
know that he will. 

Our children are taught to salute their parents 
with a bright good morning, and after family prayer 
we sit around the breakfast-table, such a happy group 
of children, for we allow a little pleasant chat, per- 
haps about the flowers, but most about the animals. 
Papa made the children so happy by telling that 
Uncle Peter Kingston was coming out and would 
bring cousin Jack with him to stay a few weeks. And 
so the boys were planning their amusements all day, 
mending their fishing lines, hunting up their out-door 
ggmes. 

Uncle Peter is one of those dear, sunny old gentle- 
men that loves to make children happy, for, though 


TRAINING OUR DARLINGS. 


61 


he is sixty years old, he has not forgotten his boyish 
days. 

When papa arrived in the afternoon, the guests 
received a most hearty welcome, and the boys carried 
Jack off to the creek to discuss the Summer’s sports. 

Seated on the piazza, they were not aware of a 
listener so near, and Jack talked about the pranks of 
the city boys, but I knew that Harold had some 
shrewd suspicions that there were some marvellous 
accounts of adventures which he began to think had 
never happened, in which Jack flourished as the brave 
boy or the leader of all the fun. 

Uncle Peter seemed quite at home with the young 
folks, and laying his hand upon Harold’s head he 
said : 

“How the boy has grown, Edward, and Wilbur, 
too; I suppose that lie’s the same book-worm yet; go 
hand me that valise, boy.” 

To Wilbur’s great delight, the old gentleman brought 
out a set of new books, just published. 

“This is just what I wanted, uncle,” he said, as 
his eye glanced on the title-pages and found that there 
were Miss Yonge’s Series of Histories and Higginson’s 
United States. 

Last evening I was so ashamed of Madge, for she 
came to the table in a high state of excitement, com- 
plaining about Allan. Making it a rule not to settle 
family disputes in the presence of strangers, I told 
Madge to be quiet; but she persisted in making us all 
uncomfortable, and, calling her to my side, I whis- 


62 


CROWN JEWELS. 


pered for her to leave the room, and so the little girl 
retired in disgrace ; but after supper I heard her com- 
plaints alone, and told her, as I had often done before, 
that I would never allow squabbles at the table, 
Allan had been greatly to blame, and was obliged to 
beep his room for the remainder of the evening; but 
Madge begged that I would forgive him, for she could 
not bear to see him punished. I was so glad to see 
this family love. 

Next day there was a fishing party, Uncle Peter 
captain in charge of the boat; and I went down to 
the creek to see them off, having packed a basket of 
nice things for the day’s sport. 

It was a very warm day, and I said : 

“ Keep out of the sun, children.” 

To which Harold replied: 

“We will fish under the shade of the willows, 
mamma.” 

“Take good care of Madge,” I added, as I waved 
my hand to the party. 

Flo and I spent the day together, and a happy 
little girl she was, keeping house so sweetly in a cor- 
ner of the nursery, runniug to mamma now and then 
with her innocent prattle. I often looked at the dear 
child with an anxious heart of love, as I see the 
marks of heavenly growth in her young life. 

The boys brought back a good mess of fish, and 
Jane promised them for breakfast. 

“I caught three,” said Madge. 

“And I caught six,” added Allan. 


TRAINING OUR DARLINGS. 


63 


“They were good children,” Uncle Peter reported, 
“and we had a lovely day.” 

Yesterday we were grieved to hear of a railroad 
accident, in which John Gibson, who takes care of our 
garden, was killed. 

The children were all so distressed, for John was 
a great favorite among them. 

It is a sore affliction to the poor wife, for she has 
seven children, her husband her only support. 

Our darling Mary came to me after supper to ask 
if we can ’t do something for the poor family. 

The children each have a little bank, where they 
keep their savings, and Mary thought that they might 
do something for Mrs. Gibson. 

Miss Spencer keeps their accounts for them, and 
we found that each child could give one dollar, and 
with Uncle Peter’s help we raised among us twenty 
dollars, and Mary carried the gift in an envelope to 
the distressed family. She is always ready with her 
little donation, and dear little Flo gave hers too. 
When Mary returned she was full of the sorrowful 
scene that she had witnessed, for Mrs. Gibson was 
heart-broken, and the children weeping around tneir 
mother. 

“John was a good man,” the dear child said, “for 
I have often heard him talking to our boys about the 
Father of us all.” 

We try to teach our children that we all belong to 
one great family, bound to help each other in trouble, 


64 


CROWN JEWELS. 


and I am glad to say that there is not a stingy child 
among us. 

I saw the dear little girls looking over their ward- 
robe, aud I asked: 

“What are you doing, children?” 

“Looking over our dresses, mamma,” Mary an- 
swered. “Can’t we spare some to the little Gibsons?” 

I promised them to see what we could do, and 
made up a nice bundle for the poor widow. 

It’s so sweet to see this loving nature in our 
children. 

Little Flo came with her second-best hat, aud, 
handing it to me, she said : 

“I want to give something, mamma, for you know 
our dear Lord likes to see us doing good.” 

Thus she refers her most common acts to the 
Savior, whom she loves. 

I made up a bundle just for darling Flo, that she 
might give it with her own little hands. 

When she returned she said : “ Mrs. Gibson was so 
thankful, but we couldn’t bring back poor John, 
mamma.” 

“No, dear,” I replied, “but we can weep with 
those who weep, and that will comfort sorrowing 
hearts,” 


OUR NEIGHBORS . 


65 


Cl\hptef X. 


OUR NEIGHBORS. 


consider them quite an addition to our social 
life; for, after supper, Mr. Bronson steps over, 
and I know that Edward enjoys the social 
chat on the piazza, both interested in farm 
life, especially about the cattle — for Edward 
is proud of his two Alderney s — and our neigh- 
bor, having passed his early life on a farm, has many 
hints to give. We are always glad to see his sturdy 
form crossing the style that separates our farms in his 
working clothes, for we know that he has something 
to say that is worth listening to. 

He often tells anecdotes about his own cattle; for 
he says that there is as much difference in their dis- 
positions as we see in men. 

Then their talk runs on about the news of the day; 
for Mr. Bronson is an intelligent thinker upon all 
subjects. 

I like to see his fatherly pride in his two children ; 
and last evening, when talking about Fred, he said it 
was a great trial to see him deprived of the advantages 
of a liberal education. “ But he is a noble boy,” the 
father added, “and I have a plan which I hope may 
enable us to place him at a good school yet — he is 
5 


66 


CROWN JEWELS. 


only fifteen, and has an excellent foundation on which 
to build — but we have to work slowly. There is a 
corn-field which Fred takes care of himself, and we 
propose to devote the proceeds to that purpose.” 

I saw that Edward was greatly interested, and I 
am sure that he will have something to do with that. 

As he was taking leave, I brought out a basket 
of delicious pears, which I sent to his good wife; for 
Edward has been very successful in raising fine fruit. 

After he had gone, I drew my chair close to Ed- 
ward’s, and asked what he thought about employing 
Mr. Bronson in the place of John Gibson, for we miss 
him everywhere. 

“A bright thought, wife,” he replied; “but I 
wonder if he could attend to both.” 

“ His farm is very small,” I said, “ and we need a 
good farmer in the place of the one that we have lost.” 

“We’ll think of it, wife,” he answered; “but, re- 
ally, it seems quite possible.” 

Next day, we saw Fred’s bright face on the top of 
the stile, and, springing over, he brought a basket 
of string-beans and raspberries, saying, proudly, that 
he planted the beans, which were bearing splendidly; 
adding: “Father says that whatever we have to do 
should be done well; and I’m just as proud of my 
beans, Mrs. Cuthbert, as I used to be of my exercises 
in school. To be sure, I do n’t like farm-work quite 
as well as brain-work; but it seems to be the work 
for me just now, and I do it cheerfully because it helps 
dear father.” 


OUR NEIGHBORS. 


67 


Then he told me that they had engaged Tom Gib- 
son, John’s eldest son, so that he had not so much 
rough work to do as formerly. 

I was glad to hear that, not only for Fred’s, but 
for the widow’s sake. 

“ How would you like to help us, Fred?” I asked. 
“We miss John sadly, and I’ve thought that your 
father might come to our assistance: Mr. Cutbbert is 
away all day, and every thing is neglected.” 

“We’re pretty busy, ma’am,” he replied; “but 
father might get another hand, and I guess he ’ll 
do it.” 

“It isn’t the work of a large farm, Fred,” I said, 
“just the care of the flowers and the vegetable patch 
and the fruit orchard.” 

“Father will like that sort of work; for he has 
been studying that business lately, and he can do any 
thing that he undertakes, Mrs. Cutbbert.” 

“It might help that little fund in the corn-field, 
Fred,” I said. 

With a bright smile, he replied : 

“Father told you about that, Mrs. Cuthbert.” 

“Yes; and I hope you’ll have a fine crop, Fred. 
I shall watch the sun and the rain for your sake, 
my boy.” 

“ Thank you, ma’am,” said the boy, with a bow 
of his fine head; “you’ve given me something to 
think about.” 

I paid a visit to our neighbors, with Mary and 
Madge. Passing through the front yard, where there 


68 


CROWN JEWELS. 


were two lovely flower-beds, we stopped a moment to 
admire their beauty; for there were geraniums and 
pinks, phlox and petunias, heliotrope and mignonette, 
candy-tuft and verbenas, pansies and columbines, all 
tastefully arranged. 

Standing there, we heard Sarah’s sweet, voice sing- 
ing a lively song, and, when we entered, found her 
seated with her mother, busy at their needles; for 
cheerful industry is the law of the household. 

Sarah handed us chairs with the grace of a little 
lady, and, laying aside her work, extended a heart- 
warm welcome to the girls. 

The room was a picture of neatness, furnished, I 
supposed, with some of the plainest of their city home. 
There was a neat carpet, a comfortable lounge for 
husband when tired with his day’s work, Fred’s book- 
case, mother’s sewing-machine, Sarah’s work-table, and 
a few pictures. 

Sarah Bronson was not a beauty; but there was 
the charm of modesty, the beam of intelligence in her 
dark gray eye, the smile of kindly feeling around her 
mouth, and a fine, rosy complexion of perfect health. 
To be sure, she was dressed in a cheap calico; but 
she wore a pretty white apron, made in a tasty fash- 
ion, her brown hair neatly dressed, and tied with a 
blue ribbon, and, altogether, there was something about 
Sarah Bronson very attractive to our young folks. 

Mrs. Bronson looked just like the mother of such 
a girl, and we were soon quite at home in the cheer- 
ful sitting-room. 


OUR NEIGHBORS. 


60 


“ You see, ma’am,” said the mother, “that we are 
a busy pair; for we make all our own clothes, and 
do n’t find much idle time.” 

Then she showed me such a pretty dress, only a 
twelve-cent calico, but it really was very genteel ; and 
in a basket by her side were Fred’s Summer pants and 
jackets, and, laughing, she said : 

“ Fred thinks mother’s clothes are just as nice and 
well-fitting as we used to get at the tailor’s;” and with 
a proud and happy smile she added: “And then it is 
a real pleasure to work for Fred ; he is such a good, 
noble son. You know something about that, Mrs. 
Cuthbert.” 

Do n’t I know what pleasure I take in working for 
my darlings? 

Mary had a word for her mother, and she said : 

“Mamma made this dress, Mrs. Bronson; and I 
think it’s beautiful, don’t you?” 

We two mothers enjoyed the chat of our children 
as they admired the work of their own dear mamma’s 
hands. 

Then we talked about the flower-beds, and Sarah 
said : 

“They belong to Fred and me, Mrs. Cuthbert. 
He got a book about flowers, and studied it well. 
We planted the seed; but Fred did most of the work. 
You know, ma’am, he’s so smart he can learn any 
thing. He ’s out in the hay -field now, with father. I 
do n’t know what we should do without Fred.” 

“How does the corn-field flourish?” I asked. 


70 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ Finely,” said the mother; “and I do believe that 
the dear boy will realize something from his crop. 
Father says that it is very promising; and next week 
he will take the first from his field to market.” 

Sarah invited the girls to go out and see some of 
her pets, and while they were gone we two fond 
mothers talked about our darliugs. 

When the girls returned, Madge chattered away 
about Sarah’s pet lamb, and wished that she had one 
just like Jenny. Then she told about the little ducks 
and goslings and downy young chickens; “but,” she 
said, “ I would n’t like such pets, mamma, because I 
could n’t bear to see any of them killed.” 

The day’s work was done; and Fred, in his farm- 
er’s blouse, stepped in to see the visitors, his fine 
face aglow with exercise, so proud of his rich crop 
of hay. 

Then he told me how he enjoyed the books that 
Edward lends him; for “work is done at six o’clock,” 
he says, “and I have a good long reading-time after 
supper.” 

But the sun was sinking behind the hills, and we 
took leave of our pleasant neighbors; and the two 
children followed us through the front yard, Mary 
having a great many questions to ask Fred about the 
care of his flowers. Seeing how she admired his 
plants, he cut a beautiful bouquet, and, offering it to 
her, he said: “ Will you accept of this bouquet, Miss 
Mary? It will afford me so much pleasure to give 
you a share of my flowers.” 


OUR NEIGHBORS. 


71 


We had a great deal of pleasant chat, when we 
returned, about our neighbors, and were so glad to 
hear that Edward had engaged Mr. Bronson to take 
John Gibson’s place. 

We soon saw that we had obtained a skillful gar- 
dener; for our vegetable patch produces finely, and 
our flowers show the fruit of careful culture. 

Every day or two we see Fred’s bright face cross- 
ing the stile, always with a bunch of his sweet flowers 
for Mary; but when she found that he sold them on 
market days, she hesitated about taking them, but 
papa said : 

“ We’ll manage to pay for them, dear; for I will 
buy books for Fred that he can not afford.” 

And thus many a choice volume found its way 
into Fred’s book-case. 

We saw that the Bronsons had very little social 
life among the people, and we invited them to meet 
our pastor’s family at our house. Doctor Crofton is 
an excellent pastor, and his wife, a most efficient help 
to the good man, among the most valued guests at 
Shadyside. 

Mrs. Bronson and Sarah, Doctor and Mrs. Crofton, 
came in the afternoon, but Fred and his father to a 
late supper; for they had to change their field dress 
for a Sunday suit. 

But it was really a well-chosen party; for the 
pastor was a good and learned gentleman, and soon 
found that his new parishioners were ail acquisition in 
more ways than one. 


72 


CROWN JEWELS. 


The chat ran on pleasantly at the supper-table 
about the farmer’s prospects; for the pastor had his 
own little farm, and the subject, of course, interested 
both parties. 

Then the talk turned naturally to Church matters. 

“We find it hard,” said the pastor, “to get our 
people interested in weekly work; for they are nearly 
all farmers, and are pretty tired when the day’s work 
is done.” 

I thought of the missionary boxes that were sent 
off to tho toiling laborers in the far West; and when 
I proposed such work to Mrs. Croftou she caught at 
the idea, and I set Friday afternoon of next week 
for the first meeting at our house, promising to call 
upon several families in the neighborhood, taking 
care to invite the most humble of the farmers’ 
wives. 

Mrs. Crofton and Mrs. Bronson came early, and 
we had a good lot of work cut out when four of the 
neighbors arrived. 

A little shyness at first soon wore off, when I 
told them stories about the good that had been done 
in this way among poor missionaries; and opening 
my secretary, I read extracts of letters from the wives 
of these faithful laborers. 

I saw that the mother-love responded in their 
hearts when I read how happy the children were 
made by these love-gifts, and the fingers plied their 
needles heartily at the blessed work. 

We sang a liynm at the close of the meeting, and 


OUR NEIGHBORS. 


73 


they all promised to meet again at Mr. Crofton’s oil 
the next Friday. 

“We ought to be encouraged,” said the pastor’s 
wife, “not so much by the numbers as by the spirit 
with which they worked.” 

Uncle Peter gave us a handsome donation, and I 
went into the city to buy muslin, calico, and flannel. 

When Friday came, six presented themselves, and 
with Mrs. Bronson and Sarah, Mary and I, and the 
good pastor’s wife, we had quite a respectable bee. 
The girls undertook the aprons and children’s clothes. 
And the pastor, stepping in among us, looked around 
with a beaming face, saying : 

“ This work is for the Lord, and I hope that we 
may say of our Christian women, at last, that they 
are, like the women of the Bible, ‘succorers of 
many.’ ” 

When he knelt among us and poured out his heart 
in prayer, I felt what a precious bond united all our 
hearts. 

As our numbers increased, when all were furnished 
with work, one of the young ladies read an interesting 
book, and our little company never degenerated into 
a gossiping circle. Every week we added new stores 
to our large basket of finished work, and early in the 
Autumn we shall send off our first box. 

We see that our little band is doing good in many 
ways; for thus fellow-Christians are brought together 
and a bond of sisterhood is cemented, and we know 
that God is blessing us. 


74 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Cl\kptef XI. 

M ANLI NESS. 

^v^OOR Jack Douglass! I must write it, he is so 
I ^ spoiled. Sister Sophy was always self-indulg- 
Jp; ent, such a pretty creature, whom every one 

J petted. Marrying early, her married life, though 
7 so short, was a season of unlimited indulgence, 
for she never knew a cross until her husband 
died and left her a widow with one only son. 

Our mother was Uncle Peter’s favorite sister, and 
■when Sophy lost her husband he took up his abode 
with her and adopted Jack as his own. 

Very wealthy, he lavished gifts upon the boy, who 
never knew what it was to have his will crossed or 
his endless wants ungratified. 

And here he is to-day, dressed in the height of 
fashion, with his gold watch and trinkets and diamond 
pin, so effeminate, not the least bit of manliness. 

I see that Harold is much amused by his cousin’s 
folly, for, although so gentlemanly in his habits him- 
self, he is not the least girlish, and last evening he 
came to me with his account of Jack’s dandyism. 

“ I wish that you could have seen Jack at his 
toilet, mamma,” he said, “curling his hair around his 
fingers, powdering his face, turning over his different 


MANLINESS. 


7 "> 


neckties before he could choose one, and I said this 
morning, ‘I think you ought to have been a girl, 
Jack.”’ 

“That is the fruit of education, Harold,” I replied, 
“for he has always seen the decoration of the body pre- 
ferred to the cultivation of the mind. He has been 
taught, too, that he is UucP Peter’s heir, and never 
expects to work; and thinking that he was born a 
gentleman, he acts in this foolish way.” 

“He must have some strange notions of being a 
gentleman,” Harold said. “I think Fred Bronson, in 
his field-blouse, is more of a gentleman than cousin 
Jack. I do hate to see a sissy boy.” 

I smiled at Harold’s earnestness, and I know that 
he is a manly boy, though only fifteen.’ 

“Give me your ideas of manliness, my son,” I 
said. 

“Well, mamma, the other day I came across the 
definition of a true knight, and it seems to me that 
what made a manful fighter in those warlike days 
makes one now. I learned every word of that de- 
scription;” and he repeated the extract: 

“ ‘To speak the very truth, to perform a promise to 
the uttermost, to reverence all women, to maintain 
right and honesty, to help the weak, to treat high 
and low with courtesy, to be constant to one love, fair 
to a bitter foe, to despise luxury, preserve simplicity, 
modesty, and gentleness in heart and bearing. This 
was the oath of the young knight who took the stroke 
of knighthood upon him in the fourteenth century, 


76 


CROWN JEWELS. 


and this is still the way to win love and glory in the 
nineteenth.’ ” 

“That is a beautiful character, Harold,” I said; 
“but a Christian in this century is a still higher 
model, for in the manliness of our dear Lord we have 
a perfect pattern of what a Christian man must be.” 
But I saw that this picture had taken strong hold of 
Harold’s imagination, and was often amused at his 
attempts to copy the young knight. 

The other day Fred made his appearance on the 
stile in his farmer’s blouse with a basket of vegetables 
in his hand, for we buy all that we need of Mr. 
Bronson. As he came along with his free, manly 
step, whistling a lively tune, I saw that he accosted 
Jack as if he knew him, but his courtesy was returned 
with a cool and haughty nod. 

Harold asked: “Do you know Fred Bronson?” 

“He went to the same school with me last year, 
but his father failed in business and he was obliged 
to leave, but I did not know that he had turned clod- 
hopper.” 

“What do you mean by clod-hopper, Jack ?” I asked. 

“ One obliged to do rough work,” was his answer. 

“Do you suppose that because Fred does hard 
work he can not be a gentleman?’ But perhaps 
your ideas of a gentleman do not correspond with 
mine,” I said. 

“I call a man a gentleman who has been brought 
up in a refined and elegant way, with polished man- 
ners, quite above the common herd.” 


MANLINESS. 


77 


“And I call one a true gentleman,” I replied, 
“who is brave, truthful, respectful to every one, high 
or low, rich or poor.” 

“But you wouldn’t want us to associate with all 
sorts of common boys?” 

“Not if they are profane or indecent; but if pure 
in language and correct in life they are entitled to 
respect from every one.” 

I saw by the toss of Jack’s head that he was by 
no means convinced. 

Next day Harold and he were out walking, when, 
passing Fred in his rough attire, Jack took no notice 
of him whatever ; so Harold told me afterward. 

But in a neighboring field there was a vicious steer, 
who advanced towards the boys with a menacing toss 
of his head, tearing up the ground. 

Jack was terribly frightened, and Fred hurried in- 
stantly to his succor, running before the boy, facing the 
wild creature, calling out to Jack to jump the fence. 

When safely over, he had the grace to thank Fred 
for his courage, who replied : 

“I should not have liked to see that steer come 
much closer, for he would have tossed you over his 
horns in the wink of an eye.” 

Jack looked really ashamed to be obliged to own 
himself so much indebted to the clod-hopper. 

When Harold had finished his story he added : 

“I think Fred Bronson is one of the true knights, 
mamma.” 

“You did not always think so, Harold, but allowed 


78 


CROWN JEWELS. 


yourself to judge of the boy by his work, and not by 
his worth.” 

“I am learning better lessons, mamma.” 

It is a great pity to bring up a boy in such a fool- 
ish way, for really the poor fellow acts as if he thought 
that the world was made for him. 

Tke bitter fruits of selfishness are seen every day 
in his character, but what will it be by and by, when 
he reaches manhood? 

When I see how kind Uncle Peter is to the boy I 
feel so indignant at his want of respect to the good 
old man, for Jack never thinks of offering him a chair 
when he enters the room. But our boys see the 
slights, too, and Harold hands him the best seat, 
Wilbur brings his cane when he walks out, Mary his 
slippers when he is tired, and even little Flo hands 
him a nice pear when he comes in from a walk, but 
Jack looks on quite contented that others should per- 
form these offices. 

I heard the boys talking the other day about their 
sisters, Harold telling what a dear girl Mary is, and 
Wilbur excusing Madge’s faults, for, although she has 
so many, she has a warm, loving heart. 

“It’s a pity you have no sister,” Harold said. 

“Do you think so?” Jack asked. “I should find it 
quite a bore to have to wait upon them because they 
are girls, for that’s what you do all the time.” 

“And don’t you suppose that it is a great pleasuro 
to do so?” asked Wilbur. 


MANLINESS. 


79 


“I must say that I would rather be waited upon, 
boys,” was his answer. 

“I'm sorry for you, Jack,” Harold said. “Don't 
f you see how happy we are at home?” 

Ju3t then Mary came in with Harold's gloves, that 
she had mended so neatly. 

“Here, brother dear,” she said; “I've done my 
very best, but they are much worn out.” 

“You're a good soul,” he said, kissing her rosy 
cheek. 

With a bright smile upon her sweet face she called 
Madge to follow her, and the child pretended to pout 
as she said : 

“I guess I ’ll never learn to be careful.” 

“Yes you will, dear,” Mary replied, “if you will 
only think that bad habits make your friends unhappy 
and give so much trouble.” 

I saw that Jack was thinking seriously of what lie 
sees in our domestic picture, all so different from his 
own home. 

But habit is a hard master and slow to conquer, 
and the boy is not aware how fully that foe to true 
happiness had gotten possession of him. 

In the afternoon we took a ride in the large car- 
riage, but I saw that Jack took a seat on the shady 
side, leaving Uncle Peter in the sun. 

Our boys would never allow that, and Harold soon 
changed seats. 

I saw the dear old gentleman receive the courtesy 
with moistened eyes, and heard him sigh as he glanced 


80 


CROWN JEWELS. 


at Jack spread out ou a seat with two, instead of 
three, which could accommodate three easily. 

I ’in so glad to see this thoughtful love in our dear 
children; but we began very early, teaching the little 
ones before they could talk to share their good things. 

Last evening Harold came to me with a very seri- 
ous face, and I saw that he had something important 
to say. 

“I don’t like to tell tales, mamma, of a guest,” he 
said, “but I want to ask, Is it ever right?” 

“Sometimes, Harold, it is duty,” I replied. “If 
you saw any one in danger of setting fire to a house 
by carelessness, and you had remonstrated in vain, it 
is then a duty to report.” 

“Is there any other reason?” he continued. 

“Yes, Harold, if you saw one secretly dropping 
poison into a cup of coffee, you should report at once.” 

“Well, mamma, what about a bad book?” 

“You should not only refuse to read one, but you 
should report the presence of such a book in the 
house.” 

“Well, mamma, Jack has a very bad book in his 
possession, and asked me to read it. I saw by the 
pictures that it was an improper book, and refused to 
look at them; but Jack laughed at me, and called mo 
green ; he said all the boys that he knew read such 
books, for it was only fun. When I asked him if his 
mother knew that he had such a book, he laughed 
and said, ‘You don’t suppose that I tell mamma 
every thing that I do.” 


MANLINESS. 


81 


I was really shocked, for we have been so careful 
to keep our boys out of the reach of such poisonous 
trash. 

Then Harold stopped a moment, hesitating to pro- 
ceed, but he said slowly: 

“Jack talks about vulgar things, mamma, and I 
told him last night that I would not listen to another 
word.” 

“And what did he say, my son?” 

“He laughed at me and called me Miss Molly.” 

I kissed my darling boy, for as long as he comes 
to me with his loving confidence I hold him safe from 
such corruption. 

But I called Jack to my room and asked to see 
the book that Harold spoke of. He blushed crimson 
as he replied : 

“It is my book, Aunt Julia, and I have a right 
to read what I choose.” 

“But such a book can not be harbored in my 
house, Jack,” I said, decidedly. 

Then I talked kindly to the boy and tried to point 
out the dangers of such reading. I saw that he was 
touched, and going to his room he brought the book, 
which, at a glance, declared its vicious character, and 
in his presence I consigned it to the flames. 

Before we parted he promised that he would not 
indulge in any improper communications to my dear 
boys, but I shall be glad when Jack Douglass takes 
leave of us. 


6 


82 


CROWN JEWELS. 


C!l\hptef XII. 


MADGE IN TROUBLE. 


NCLE PETER proposed to go into the city on 
some, business, and Jack took advantage of his 
absence to take a ride on horseback with Plar- 
old. I knew that he was a troublesome com- 
panion, but I can trust my boy’s courtesy. 

They were gone two hours, and Jack had a 
dismal account to give of how hard the horse trotted, 
and how dreadfully he Avas frightened; but Harold 
told me aside that it was all his own fault, for he 
would not pay any attention to Harold’s directions, 
and the horse soon understood that he carried a novice 
on his back. 

Jack returned in an ill humor, and made us all 
unoomfortable. 

Towards evening Uncle Peter and Edward re- 
turned, the former bringing a beautiful aquarium for 
Mary, an artist’s case for Harold, a velocipede for 
Allan, a doll for Madge and Flora. 

I was sorry to see clouds on Jack’s face ; for when 
they were all admiring the pretty gifts he stole away, 
and it was only too evident that he was displeased. 

There were six gold and six silver fish in the 
aquarium, and it was an object of great delight, espe- 


MADGE IN TROUBLE. 


83 


daily to Allan and Madge. I saw that, like all busy 
young ones, they were disposed to handle the globe, 
and I warned them several times, reminding them 
how easy it would be to break such a brittle article. 

Harold was charmed with his case of artist’s tools; 
for he has quite a taste for sketching, and was much 
in need of many things. 

“ You are so good, Uncle Peter,” I heard him say. 
“ I have wanted these things so long; and now I can 
go to work in earnest with my pencil.” 

Next day, off he started with Wilbur and Jack, to 
sketch a view from the hill back of the house. Wil- 
bur was much interested in his brother’s work; but I 
saw that such employment had no charms for Jack, 
and he soon appeared on the piazza, ready for a trip 
to the city. 

“Do not stay all night,” said Uncle Peter; “for 
your mother is not at home, and I shall be anxious.” 

“Don’t be troubled about me,” said the youth; 
“ but I do n’t make any promises.” 

I saw that he had a small valise in his hand, and 
Uncle Peter asked why he carried it with him; but 
the boy laughed, saying : 

“It s always best to take a change, for we don’t 
know what may happen. If I do n’t return to-night, 
do n’t be uneasy; I may stay with Felix Stratton.” 

So he went off, whistling. Uncle Peter said : 

“Jack is a hard boy to manage.” 

“ He doesn’t seem to be managed at all, uncle,” I 
replied. 


84 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Too late to begin now,” was the answer, “espe- 
cially when his mother is so indulgent.” 

Harold was surprised, when he returned, to find 
that Jack had gone to the city; but when I told him 
about the valise, he replied: 

“I am afraid that he ’s off* on a lark, mamma; for 
I heard him talk about the fun that he has with Felix 
Stratton.” 

Harold had made a lovely sketch of the pretty 
landscape, and all day was so busy with his pencil 
that he quite forgot Jack Douglass; but the boy did 
not return that night, was absent all next day, and 
when another night passed Uncle Peter could not con- 
ceal his uneasiness. 

“I can guess where he has gone,” Harold said; 
“for I heard him talking about an excursion to Coney 
Island, saying that Felix had written to ask him to 
join a party to that favorite resort.” 

Another day passed, and yet no tidings of Jack ; 
but when the cars came out Jack came strolling in, 
telling what a glorious time he had had, in company 
with three other boys. 

Uncle was so glad to' see him that he had no words 
of chiding; but I could not help saying: 

♦ “Isn’t this rather too much liberty for a boy of 
sixteen? for you don’t know, uncle, how he spent his 
time, or who were his companions.” 

The dear old gentleman had said truly that it was 
too late now to draw in the reins. 

The two children were never tired of looking at 


MADGE IN TROUBLE. 


85 


the pretty fish; for, although Allan’s velocipede and 
Madge’s doll were so attractive, the aquarium seemed 
to be the most fascinating object. 

Last evening, we heard the two chattering about 
the fish, when there was a sudden crash and a scream, 
and, hastening to the library, a scene of destruction 
met our eyes; for there lay the globe, shattered into 
small pieces, and the beautiful fish scattered all around. 

I soon gathered them up and placed them in a ba- 
sin of w T ater, and then I asked how it all happened. 

Poor Madge was in great distress, sobbing bitterly; 
and Allan said that Madge broke it, and she, in turn, 
charged it upon her brother. I was sure that neither 
was telling a falsehood, but in the fright both were 
confused. Uncle Peter was looking on, and I 'took 
the children quietly to my room, where I could ques- 
tion them calmly. It was long before I could get at 
the real truth; for, although I did not for a moment 
suppose that either would deceive, it was possible that 
they might be mistaken. 

“Now, Madge, be quiet, while I question Allan,” 
I said. “Did you never touch the aquarium at all, 
Allan?” 

“Yes, mamma,” he answered; “I moved it once 
from side to side, to make the fish lively.” 

“And then Madge moved the globe a little more?” 

“ Yes, mamma; I told her to take care. And then 
I rocked it gently, to stir up the pretty fish.” 

“And then you rocked a little harder,” sobbed 
Madge. 


86 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“And then your hand slipped, and down fell the 
the aquarium,” said the boy. 

“And this is the real truth?” I said. 

“Yes, dear mamma,” sobbed Madge; “and I am 
so sorry for Mary’s beautiful aquarium.” 

“ But did n’t you know that you were doing 
wrong?” I asked. 

“ I was so full of fun that I did n’t stop to think,” 
Madge replied. “ But I am the one that ought to be 
punished, mamma.” 

“ Since you have been so truthful, Madge,” I said, 
“ I shall not punish you; for the sorrow that you feel 
is punishment enough.” 

Mary behaved so sweetly; for, although it was a 
real grief, not a word of reproach fell from her lips. 

“You shall have another,” said Allan, “just as 
soon as we can make up the money from our 
bank.” 

“You would n’t have gotten off so easily with me,” 
said Jack; “for you had no business to touch the 
aquarium.” 

I know that they will try to make up the loss, and 
I shall encourage them, for I know that is the right 
thing to do. 

After supper, Jack had a long story to tell Uncle 
Peter about the delights of Coney Island, and what a 
grand time they had at the hotel, telling how Felix 
had treated them to sherry-cobbler. 

I felt so sorry to hear the boy; for this is the way 
that our fast young men begin. 


MADGE IN TROUBLE. 


87 


Last evening I heard Allan and Madge counting 
up the deposits in their banks. 

“We won’t have any thing to give to the mite 
fund for some time,” said Madge. 

“That is true,” Allan replied; “but we must re- 
place what we have broken first.” 

Uncle Peter has heard of their intentions, and I 
know that the old gentleman will manage to drop a 
coin in now and then, for they keep their banks on 
the mantel-piece in the dining-room. 

After the lapse of a week, Madge called out: 

“ How is this, Allan? My bank is getting heavy, 
and I know that I have n’t put much in.” 

At the close of auother week we concluded to open 
the banks, and, lo! several half-dollars had been 
dropped in each, and when counted up we found that 
there was enough to purchase another aquarium. 

Next day, when Edward brought out one quite as 
pretty as the lost one, the children were in a gale of 
pleasure. Madge, throwing her arms around Mary, 
called out: 

“There, dear, is your beautiful aquarium; and we 
are so glad.” 

I kissed the children, and I knew that a sweet 
lesson had been taught to the two wild kittens. 

Mary took Madge by the arm, leading her off to 
the play-room; and the child returned with dancing 
steps, showing off the lovely suit that sister had been 
making for her doll while Madge was in trouble. 


88 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Just see what Mary has done for me; and I 
broke her aquarium!” she said, with moistened eyes. 

When I looked at the beaming face of my sweet 
child I said, “ Well may we call her our Morning 
Glory.” 

I know that Madge is very trying sometimes; but 
the fountain of sisterly love never fails, and I see how 
it is blessing our darling Madge. 

The sewing circle is prospering, having now twelve 
regular members, and we have sent off our first box 
to a missionary in the far West. 

The girls’ eyes sparkled with real pleasure as the 
two folded up the little aprons and calico slips, and 
our Morning Glory said : 

“Won’t the mothers be glad when they open this 
box !” 

Our good pastor says that it is doing good in many 
ways, bringing the members of the Church' together, 
doing the Lord’s work as fellow-pilgrims. 

Would that we could see among us that precious 
unity of apostolic days, when they had all things in 
common, bearing each other’s burdens; but the world 
has encroached sadly upon the Church. Will it ever 
be what the Master intended when he uttered that 
memorable prayer, before he suffered? 

The Summer is drawing to a close, and Sister 
Sophy is spending a week with us previous to taking 
Jack home. She is proud of her handsome boy, and 
often talks about his beauty; but, alas! she does 


MADGE IN TR 0 UBLE. 


89 


not see what a light, frivolous character she is 
forming. 

I had a little sisterly talk with her yesterday, but 
she only answered : 

“Jack’s prospects are so brilliant that I do not 
see any great necessity for the training of which you 
speak.” 

“That might answer, Sophy,” I said, “if this 
world were all; but we are only in the vestibule of 
our being, where we are preparing for a higher, better 
life than this.” 

She was silent; and all that I can do is to pray 
that her eyes may be opened. 

We are all feeling a little sad; for Harold will 
enter the Courtland Institute this Fall, under the care 
of President Lennox. 

Miss Spencer has laid a good foundation on which 
to build; and I believe that our boy’s moral princi- 
ples are of a sterling character, so that I can trust 
him now among a world of boys, pretty sure that he 
will steer safely through the dangers he may meet. 

Wilbur and he are devoted to each other; and I 
saw them, last evening, walking up and down the 
piazza, wdth arms around each other’s waist, and I 
knew that they were talking of the parting. Then 
they went out to the stable, to visit their dumb favor- 
ites; and as Rover skipped after them I heard Harold 
say, “You must not forget me, old fellow.” 

Mary, too, will miss her brother; and the dear 
girl is making so many nice little things for his com- 


90 


CROWN JEWELS. 


fort — for he will be a weekly boarder in the family 
of President Lennox. 

Miss Spencer is grieved to part with Harold; for 
she has had charge of him for eight 'years, and there 
is a strong bond of attachment between the bright boy 
and the gifted governess. 

I see that Fred Bronson looks on the preparations 
with a wishful eye; but he is very hopeful, for he 
told me yesterday that his fund from the corn-field is 
growing, and he hopes in another year to join Harold. 
I should be truly glad, for many reasons; for I know 
of no boy that I would prefer to Fred for our dear 
Harold’s friend. 

Our city friends have gone; and our family circle 
becomes each day more thoughtful, for Harold’s de- 
parture is the first break in our nest of love. 

It is Sunday night, and to-morrow Harold leaves 
us for the city. 

Mary brought a beautiful morocco case for notes, 
made by her own dear hands, and a needle-book, too ; 
for, she said : 

“You will not have mamma to sew on buttons 
now, Harold, and you must learn.” 

Madge, too, brought her gentleman’s pin-cushion, 
marked with Harold’s name, and well filled with pins. 

I handed him a blank book, in which to keep a 
diary; for thus I hope still to commune with Har- 
old’s heart. 

Harold and I spent an hour in my room, when I 


MADGE IN TROUBLE. 


91 


gave him a new Bible, with the words, “ To Harold, 
with mother’s love,” written on the fly-leaf. 

He promised me to read it every night before re- 
tiring; and then we knelt together at the merey-seat, 
where I poured out my full heart to our Father in 
heaven, praying that he would bless my boy. 

When we arose, I laid my hand on Harold’s head, 
and said : 

“Remember the teachings and the prayers of this 
room, my son, and may they guide and bless you all 
the days of your life.” 

All Harold’s associates have been carefully chosen, 
his reading directed, and the holy example of his fa- 
ther before his eyes; but I want to see the fountain 
cleansed. 

I know that he despises falsehood and impurity of 
all kinds, that he is the very soul of honor ; but he is 
like the young man that Jesus loved, to whom he said, 
“ One thing thou lackest.” 

I thought of my crown jewels when I laid my head 
upon the pillow that night; and when I saw him wave 
his farewell to us as long as he could see us on the 
piazza, I prayed, from the depths of a mother’s love, 
‘ ‘ May he be found among the jewels in the Savior’s 
crown on the day when he gathers in the blood- 
bought gems!” 

O, for grace to lead them all safely home to 
Jesus ! 


92 


CROWN JEWELS. 


C^hptef XIII. 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


miss the dear boy from our family circle, 
for he was a bright sunbeam at home, with 
just enough of the willfulness of youth to ex- 
cite our anxieties, and the ingenuous con- 
sciousness of many faults to stimulate our hope. 
In his new and untried life he is so sanguine 
and drew such a picture of what he hopes to be in 
the world. Dear boy, he does not know yet any thing 
of the temptations of companionship, or the sources 
of evil that lie so quietly hidden in the human heart. 

I see how Wilbur misses him, so depressed all the 
week, for they are wrapped up in each other, and 
Wilbur is so proud of his brother, anticipating the 
highest honors in his school-life. 

He looks after his flowers so tenderly and keeps 
his ow r n little diary, too, that Harold may know what 
he is doing at home every day. 

We are all watching for Friday afternoon, when 
he returns to stay until Monday. 

Mary is gathering some delicious pears for brother, 
and Allan is mounting the apple trees to pick off* some 
of the best fruit, while little Madge receives them in 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


93 


her apron, dodging her curly head now and then for 
fear of a bump from frolicsome Allan. 

We are all waiting on the piazza for the return of 
our dear boy, aud when we heard Eover bark we 
knew that he was not far off. 

Arm in arm with papa, carrying his satchel, we 
spied him advancing with tripping steps among the 
trees, and Wilbur flew to meet his brother, not 
ashamed to kiss his downy cheek. I hope he never 
will be. 

“This is good,” said Harold, as he stood upon the 
piazza, in the midst of this noisy group; “it is very 
pleasant at the institute, but there is no place like 
home.” 

As we surrounded the supper-table it was quite 
amusing to hear Harold run on with praises of Pro- 
fessor Lennox. 

“I expected such a thing of rules, mamma,” he 
said; “you mustn’t do that, and you must do this, 
that I w T ondered what it all meant, when I asked what 
they were. The professor smiled as he replied, ‘There 
are very few, Harold, but they cover the whole ground 
of a boy’s duty, where truth, honor, reverence, purity 
aud kindness are the fundamental law, but they must 
be obeyed.’ I thought, mamma, of the young knight, 
and already I felt proud of our professor.” 

After supper he handed me his diary, saying aside: 

“That is for your own eye, mamma.” 

Edward watched his opportunity when w r e were 


94 


CROWN JEWELS. 


alone to tell me of his visit to the institute, when he 
called for Harold. 

“You have a bright, promising boy,” the profes- 
sor said, relating some incidents which showed that he 
understood our boy, and our parent hearts felt that 
we had chosen a wise preceptor for our son. 

While the children were enjoying their feast of 
fruit I retired to my room to read my boy’s diary: 

“A handsome school-room, well lighted and venti- 
lated, furnished neatly, with charts and maps adorn- 
ing the walls, and in a rapid glance around the room 
I saw that there was every thing necessary for a 
thirsty scholar. 

“Such a crowd, all staring at the new boy, which I 
felt was not very polite, but perhaps I might do the 
same. 

“ I was charmed with Professor Lennox, a tall, slen- 
der gentleman, with such an eye, so bright and lumin- 
ous; I am sure that no boy, however cunning, escapes 
that. Then his smile was so sweet and kindly, and 
when he laid his hand upon my head with such 
fatherly words of welcome my boy-heart went warmly 
out to the genial professor, and I felt that we should 
be great friends. 

“He led me to a seat near a gentlemanly-looking 
boy, saying: ‘You will remember that Cuthbert is a 
stranger, Mifflin.’ 

“The boy extended his hand, saying heartily: ‘We 
are comrades.’ And handing me a hymn book I found 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


95 


that we opened school with sacred music. I liked 
that, for it seemed so like home. 

“One of the professors played on the organ, and I 
wish that mamma could have heard the full chorus of 
the boy-voices as they sang — 

“ ‘ Soldiers of Christ arise, 

And put your armor on, 

Strong in the strength which God supplies 
Through his eternal Son. 

Strong in the Lord of hosts, 

And in his mighty power, 

Who in the strength of Jesus trusts 
Is more than conqueror.’ 

“Then the prayer was just a few solemn reverent 
words, praising God for what he is and what he does 
as king, for what we need ; and I felt that Professor 
Lennox looked upon his scholars as intrusted to him 
to train for useful lives on earth and blessedness in 
heaven. 

“It was Monday morning, and I waited to hear the 
rules. They were so very few, and I thought how 
are the boys to know what is expected of them ; but I 
soon found out that the whole spirit of the school is 
the teacher, and there does not seem to be any of that 
spying that I expected in a large school, the boys are 
so much more trusted than watched, and I felt that 
we ought to be ashamed of ourselves to deceive such 
a noble teacher. 

“Every day we have a short lecture on the charac- 
ter of some distinguished man from all the grades 
and occupations of human life, and we are taught to 


96 


CROWN JEWELS. 


feel that every thing is honorable if pursued consci- 
entiously. 

“Professor Lennox tries to make us wise concern- 
ing all that is good and noble, and simple concerning 
evil, for we never have details of the course of a wicked 
man, rather something to look up to, something to 
aspire after. 

“The professor knows what boys are made of, and 
so he directs and not represses our bounding animal 
spirits, joining with us in our sports. 

“He gives us plenty to do, for every moment in 
school is occupied, and so we have no time for mis- 
chief. There are five minutes of letting up at the end 
of every hour, but when recess arrives we fly out into 
the open air and eujoy a half hour of merry, boyish 
sports. 

“We boys like order and discipline, even if it be 
somewhat of a military character, and I should like 
the folks at home to see the boys when the bell rings 
for return to study. In a second every one is in the 
line, the professor at the head, and in single file we 
re-enter the school-room, all prime for work, cheeks 
glowing, eyes sparkling, hair a little tumbled, to be 
sure, but ready for exercises that are so congenial to 
our dispositions. 

“I am so thankful to Miss Spencer for all that she 
has done for me, for, owing to her excellent instruc- 
tion, I was able to take my place among older boys, 
while several poor fellows older than myself had to go 
into the lower classes. Then her lessons of truth and 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


97 


honor are invaluable, for she taught me from earliest 
days to despise all meanness. 

“I see instances of this here among some of the 
lazy boys, for only yesterday I met with a case of a 
boy of seventeen, an overgrown, indolent fellow, who 
will never study if he cau avoid it. 

“ In one of the study hours I saw Gilbert copy from 
his neighbor’s note-book, on a small slip of paper, and 
I watched the fellow, for I knew that he was after 
some mean trick. 

“We sat near each other in the class-room, and I 
perceived that the boy kept his fingers between the 
leaves of his text-book, and saw the slip of paper that 
I had observed on his desk. 

“As we passed into the next class-room I said, 
scornfully : 

44 ‘ I should think that you feel pretty small, Gilbert, 
after the trick in the class-room.’ 

“ 4 What do you allude to, sir?’ he asked. 

44 ‘You know well enough, you mean cur,’ was my 
hasty reply. 4 Where did you geG the notes on your 
slip of paper from?’ 

44 ‘That’s none of your business, sir,’ he answered, 
44 ‘I’ll black your eyes for you if you don’t hold your 
impudent tongue.’ 

44 1 saw that Gilbert was white with rage. 

“When we met at recess it was plain that he 
meant a fight, for, approaching me with doubled fists, 
he said : 

“ ‘I’ll teach you not to meddle with me, sir.’ 

7 


98 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ I stood quiet for a moment recalling the lessons 
at home about brawls and replied : 

“ ‘I don’t want to fight, Gilbert; I never had a 
fight with a boy in all my life.’ 

“Then he laughed scornfully, and said: 

“‘You must be a great coward, then, and now 
you’ve got to fight.’ 

“I saw that he was larger and stronger than I, a 
real brute of a boy, but I wasn’t going to stand still 
to be pummeled by him. Then he flew at me and 
gave me a sharp blow between my eyes, and I de- 
fended myself as well as I was able, but I was no 
match for Gilbert. If it had not been for Mifflin, 
who stepped forward, I should have been horribly 
abused; as it was, I had a bloody nose and black eyes. 

“At that moment Professor Lennox came forward, 
his dark eyes blazing, as he said: 

“ ‘What do you mean, Gilbert? The play-ground 
is no place for brutal fights.’ 

“‘I mean, sir,’ he replied, ‘that Cuthbert shall 
not be a spy upon me.’ 

“ ‘What has he done?’ the professor asked. 

“But Gilbert refused to reply and I was silent, 
but our wise preceptor said: 

“ ‘I will answer for Cuthbert If he has really in- 
curred that name there must have been something to 
spy; but remember, boys, quarrels can’t be settled in 
this way at Courtland Institute.’ 

“ I saw that all the boys were on my side, and I 
am sure that my parents and Miss Spencer will say 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


99 


that I was right. But Gilbert always avoids me, and 
I, too, keep out of his way. 

“Next day the professor told us stories of heroic 
boys in such a beautiful way, so high and elevated, 
that I long for just such traits of character, and now 
I really do n’t feel very angry with Gilbert, but would 
like to do him some good. We have such a pleasant 
fireside, only six boys, who are weekly boarders like 
myself, and Ross Gilbert, who is the only yearly 
boarder. Mrs. Lennox makes it like a real home for 
the boys, for after the study hour we gather in the 
family parlor, where, with her sewiDg or knitting, she 
sits among us like a good, kind mother. She puts me 
in mind of my dear mamma, only she is not half so 
handsome. Sometimes we entertain her with our boy- 
songs, and she, in return, has her fund of stories. 

“The other day when we were alone she told me 
Gilbert’s story. He is an orphan with no near rela- 
tive, under the care of a guardian, who really has no 
love for the boy, and having lived so long without a 
home he has become cold and selfish. 

“I felt sorry for the boy, and made up my mind 
to try to win him by kind offices, but he does not under- 
stand me, and thus far repels my advances. I really 
like Henry Mifflin better than any of the boys, and 
we were drawn to each other from the first day when 
I entered school. But he is a very delicate boy, and 
Mrs. Lennox fears that he has inherited consumption 
from his mother. But he is different from the others, 


100 


CROWN JEWELS. 


always a gentleman, kind and courteous to all the 
boys, truthful, conscientious in all that he says or 
does, certainly guided by higher principles than those 
around us. 

“The other day, at recess, Harry Desmond uttered 
an oath in his presence, and I saw the flush of indig- 
nation that passed over his face when he rebuked the 
boy with such impressive words: 

“ ‘ You must not swear by that holy name, Harry, 
in my presence/ he said. 

“ ‘ I forgot that we had a saint among us,’ replied 
the boy with a sneer. 

“Tam not a saint by any means/ he replied, ‘ but 
I profess to be a servant of the Lord, whom you dare 
to speak lightly of, and I will never hear his name 
abused.’ 

“This was the first time that I had known Mfflin 
to be a Christian, but I might have been sure of that, 
for, although his piety is not paraded in words, I see 
that all his actions silently proclaim the truth. Gil- 
bert is subject to violent attacks of sick headache, 
when he suffers keenly, sometimes in his bed for a 
whole day. Yesterday he had one of these spells, and 
I felt so sorry for the orphan boy. Mrs. Lennox is 
so busy with her family cares that she had no time 
to spend with the invalid, but I went into his room 
before school opened and found him suffering severely. 

“I closed the shutters, shook up his pillow, wet a 
handkerchief in cool water, binding up his head, ask- 
ing him if he wanted any thing. 


A NEW WORLD FOR HAROLD. 


101 


“I saw that he was touched, for he took my 
hand, saying, ‘You are very good, Cuthbert.’ 

“I know that I am not; only human. 

“I told him that I was sorry for him and would 
come in again at recess and see what I could do for 
him. I remembered his grateful look with so much 
pleasure when I took my seat in the class-room, and 
at recess asked Mrs. Lennox if I might take him a 
cup of tea. 

“It was soon ready, and I hurried with it on a 
little waiter to the sick boy. 

“ ‘That is just what I need/ he said, ‘ for my head 
is getting better, and after a cup of tea I shall go to 
sleep and soon be all right/ 

“Then he thanked me so warmly, and we were 
friends from that day. I am glad that I was able to 
practice one of my home lessons. 

“Dear mother, she don’t know how deeply they 
are impressed on our young hearts.” 

I closed my boy’s diary and blessed God for its 
contents. 

Then I descended to the parlor, where I found 
Harold and Miss Spencer in close conversation; a 
merry laugh now and then proclaiming his amusing 
account of his first week in school. But when the chat 
became more serious I knew what they were talking 
about. 

Just then a letter arrived from Percy Crofton, 
saying that he expects to spend Christmas at home. 

Our children were delighted with the news, for 


102 


CROWN JEWELS. 


having enjoyed the benefits of Miss Spencer’s instruc- 
tion for several years in company with our flock, he 
is a great favorite with the family group. At seven- 
teen he was ready for college, and had been absent 
from home for oue year. 

Miss Spencer was equally pleased, and it w T as quite 
amusing to hear the reminiscences of those pleasant 
days and the plans for making a happy Christmas for 
their former companion. 


THE HOLIDA YS. 


103 


C^Yptef XIV. 


THE HOLIDAYS. 


are all together again, such a happy group of 
merry children, and Harold has brought his 
friend, Henry Mifflin, to spend the holidays 
with us. He is an interesting boy, and I am 
glad that Harold has such a room-mate; but 
there is a delicate look about the boy that 
seems to forebode a short life. 

Finding me alone, after supper, Henry drew a chair 
close to my side, and, taking out a miniature case from 
his pocket, handed it to me, saying : 

“ That is my dear mother, Mrs. Cuthbert. You 
remind me so much of her.” 

It was a sweet face, bearing a strong resemblance 
to her son. 

Then he told about his early life, and the sweet 
ministry of a departed mother, until the deepest feel- 
ings of my heart w r ere drawn to the speaker. 

“I have neither brother nor sister,” he continued, 
“but Harold is like a brother; and although we are 
so different — he so full of life and spirit, so gay and 
frolicsome, and I so much more serious, for my state 
of health has made me so — but I do sincerely love 
Harold, he is so noble and truthful, and such a warm- 


104 


CROWN JEWELS. 


hearted boy. 1 wish he was a little more thoughtful 
about eternal things; but I have bright hopes for 
Harold, for I know that he is the subject of many 
earnest prayers, and I think is sometimes the subject 
of serious impressions. But his Christian life will be 
no hasty act; for he despises shams, especially of a 
religious character.” 

Then Henry told me many incidents of my dear 
boy’s life at school that warmed and cheered the 
mother-heart. 

Just then Harold appeared, saying: 

“I have been looking for you, Henry; and here 
you are, shut up with dear mamma, talking about 
your wild friend, I dare say.” 

“ Nothing very bad, Harold,” was his answer, with 
a pleasant smile. 

“A great deal, Harold, to make me very happy 
to find that you were a room-mate with Henry Mif- 
flin,” I said. 

Then Harold told of some of his pranks. 

“But remember, dear mamma,” he added, “that 
I never join the boys in any sly tricks; I ’d be 
ashamed of myself if I could do such things in the 
house with our professor. But come, Henry, we are 
going to have some games, and can ’t do without 
you.” 

Next day there was a wild storm of snow and high 
wind, and in the midst of it Percy Crofton arrived. 
After supper he ran over to Shadyside, and Harold 
introduced his friend to his old schoolmate. 


THE HO LIDA YS. 


105 


But how he had grown! — a half-head taller than 
Harold, the one eighteen, my boy sixteen. 

After the first salutations were over, I saw Percy 
appropriating Mary to himself, as was the custom at 
school, and they were soon engrossed in pleasant chat 
over those happy days, often laughing heartily as they 
recalled the past. 

Percy has no sister, and, therefore, is very fond of 
our Morning Glory. 

I saw that he handed a small package to his com- 
panion, whose bright eye sparkled at the sight of a 
charming Christmas book. 

Running to show me the gift, she said : 

“ Isn’t Percy good to bring me such a gift? But 
I have something for him, which will appear pn 
Christmas Eve.” 

I thought how pleased he would be with the beau- 
tiful gift she had made for his themes at college — a 
pretty black velvet case, worked with a border of 
silver thread, with his initials on the back. 

The storm seemed to be on the increase, the wind 
howling around the house, and the snow-drifts piling 
up in fine style. 

“This is grand,” said Harold, opening the hall- 
door; “we shall have some fine sleighing to-morrow.” 

He was a true prophet, for in the morning the 
ground was covered with snow; and soon after break- 
fast the party set off for a grand sleigh-ride — all but 
little Flo, for I could not trust her with such a romp- 
ing set of youngsters. 


106 


CROWN JEWELS. 


It was a good thiug that the pet was safe at home ; 
for when they returned Harold had a wonderful story 
to tell of an upset in a very high snow-drift. 

“No one was hurt, mamma,” he said. “But you 
ought to have seen Madge covered up with her wrap- 
pings. She looked just like a cotton-ball; and we had 
some trouble to get her out of the drift, her hands 
were so tight in her muff.” 

“ I did n’t miud it one bit,” said brave little Madge; 
“ I think it was jolly fun.” 

Percy came over again next day, and I saw that he 
had something for the private ear of his old frieud. 

When he found that I was alone he sought au in- 
terview, saying: 

“ I have good news for you, my dear friend. I 
suppose that you have heard of the revival among 
our boys at college.” 

“ Yes, Percy,” I answered; “and I hope that you 
have received some of the mercy drops.” 

“Unworthy as I am,” he said, “boundless grace 
has found me, I trust, and brought me to my Savior’s 
feet. I have often had many serious thoughts ; for 
how could it be otherwise in such a household as ours? 
But while I have all my life been in the habit of 
daily prayer, I have found that the heart was not in 
the service, and when I saw others melted under tho 
power of a Savior’s love my heart seemed so cold ; 
but the Spirit touched it at last, and, convinced of 
sin, it brought me to my Savior’s feet. And now, 
believing, I have peace with God.” 


THE HO LID A YS. 


107 


I thanked God for the good news; for, knowing 
what a gifted youth Percy is, I hope that he will be 
led to the ministry of the blessed Gospel. 

“As soon as I obtained a hope of pardon,” he said, 
“I asked, What wilt thou have me to do, Lord? aud 
very soon my heart responded, I would serve thee, 
dear Master, by proclaiming the riches of redeeming 
grace.” 

“I have always hoped for this,” I replied; “aud 
now may God bless you, and lead you to a high and 
holy walk with himself.” 

And so we communed together of heavenly things. 

When shall I see the same in dear Harold? There 
is a mountain of pride to be leveled there; but grace 
is all-sufficient to humble the proudest. 

I have no doubt that the Spirit is leading Mary 
and Wilbur in the narrow way; for I see so many 
marks of a child-like, humble temper in both that 
my heart is full of hope. 

I look at my crown jewels with the fondness of a 
mother’s love and the faith of a trusting Christian, 
and I believe that they will all be jewels in the Sav- 
ior’s crown. 

I found that Percy had sought a private talk with 
our dear Morning Glory; for they have always sym- 
pathized with each other in all their joys and sorrows. 

When Percy had gone, Mary came to me with a 
beaming face, and told Percy’s story. 

“ What a lovely Christian he will be, mamma!” 
she said. “And won’t dear Doctor Crofton be a 


108 


CROWN JEWELS. 


lmppy father when he hears him telling of the un- 
searchable riches of Christ?” 

In the first glow of Christian love, Percy is very 
happy; for he knows nothing yet of the toils and 
conflicts in the Christian’s path to heaven. But he is 
in the hands of a Good Shepherd, who will not lead 
him into the rough places while he is but a lamb. 

The girls are very busy in making preparations 
for Christmas Eve, Sarah Bronson helping in the 
good work. For they are going to have such a feast 
as Jesus blesses; for has he not said, “ But when thou 
makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, 
the blind, and thou shalt be blessed ; for they can not 
recompense thee?” 

They are putting finishing touches to some useful 
and pretty things — hoods, scarfs, mats, and dolls, for 
girls; scarfs, gloves, and warm stockings, for boys. 

Jack Douglass has been invited to spend the holi- 
days at Shadyside, but declines, preferring the excite- 
ment of city sports. 

There will be a tree, too; for how could we dis- 
pense with that on blessed Christmas Eve? 

I find that Percy still claims the privilege of the 
school-room ; for last evening, after supper, I saw the 
two at a side-table, with Mary’s books spread out, and 
Percy encouraging her to tell her story of progress. 

He was always especially interested in her attempts 
at composition, and I overheard some of his words of 
praise that brought a sweet blush into the face of our 
Morning Glory. 


THE HOLIDA YS. 


109 


When they closed the books Percy stepped oyer to 
me, saying: 

“I am glad to see Mary’s improvement, and hope 
that you will allow her to write to me when I am at 
college.” 

I was sure that such a correspondence would be 
very helpful to our dear chiid, and I gave a ready 
consent. 

Next Sunday there will be quite a large accession 
to the communion of our Church, and dear Percy 
will be one of the new members. 

Mary had much to say about the fact, and came 
to me with a touching expression of humble desire in 
her sweet face. 

“Dear mamma,” she said, “I wish that I might 
be one of that happy company; for I know that I 
love Jesus, and want to obey his last command. You 
know how he said, ‘ Do this in remembrance of me.’ 
He did n’t say any thing about great preparation, 
only just those precious words, ‘ Do this.’ If you tell 
me to do any thing I do it at once, because I love 
you so ; and ought I not to love my dear Savior still 
more ?” 

I listened to the dear girl with the deepest interest; 
for I have always looked upon her as a child of God, 
and have doubt that she is invited to the feast, and I 
replied : 

“Consult Doctor Crofton, dear, he is your best 
guide.” 

On the same day she went alone to the pastor’s study. 


110 


CROWN JEWELS . 


He told me afterward of the interview, saying that 
he had seldom heard a more simple and touching ac- 
count of the dealings of the Holy Spirit with a young 
heart than fell from the lips of our darling child. 

And so she will be admitted next Sunday, with 
Percy, to the communion. 

“ She is, no doubt, one of the Lord’s dear lambs,” 
said the pastor, “and must not be denied the chil- 
dren’s bread.” 

Now comes some of the recompense of a mother’s 
loving, trusting prayers; for it has always been my 
custom to pray with my children in private, first giv- 
ing myself to God, and then my dear children, through 
Christ. It is but giving him his own ; not to do it is 
robbing God. 

But what deep humiliation I often feel at my own 
shortcomings; for do I not remember that the first 
book read, and the last laid by, by my child, is the 
conduct of his mother? 

I was so struck the other day by an anecdote con- 
cerning one of these lambs, when a little child bad 
been very naughty, and, being sharply reproved by his 
mother, was sent to his room to confess his sin to 
God, where the mother overheard her boy saying, 
“ O Lord, make me a good boy, and make my 
mamma better, too.” What a lesson for a mother! 

Next day, Fred Bronson came over with his wagon; 
and the boys set off for the w r oods, to bring in the 
Christmas boughs. 

Madge was bent on joining the party; but being 


THE II OLID A Y8. 


Ill 


denied, with a burst of indignation she declared that 
she “could climb trees as well as any of the boys,” 

“And that is just the reason why my little girl 
can not go,” mamma said. 

When I saw her disposed to pout, I pointed to the 
door with a look that she understood ; for I never 
allow pouting in the family. Such work must be far 
away from all the rest — it is quite enough for one to 
be uncomfortable; and so Madge went quietly into 
retirement. 

The boys returned with a fine load of boughs, and 
set to work in earnest to decorate the parlor, and the 
library also, where the Christmas-tree was to be 
dressed. Fred Bronson was head workman; for I saw 
that both his strength and skill were quite a lift, for 
it took his power to plant the tree securely in the box. 
When all was finished in the library, spectators were 
dismissed, and Mary and Sarah Bronson dressed the 
tree. 

It was, indeed, a beauty, with its pretty fairies and 
its dainty love-gifts. 

When the guests arrived, in the evening, I doubt 
if there could be found anywhere a happier set than 
gathered around the Christmas Tree in the library at 
Shadyside. 

There were John Gibson’s seven children, six from 
my class in Sunday-school, and Fred had brought 
lame Johnny Kawle and his sister in the wagon, for 
he said, “The poor little cripple shall have a taste of 
Christmas joy, too.” 


112 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Scarfs hoods, and pretty mats were distributed 
among the girls, and warm gloves and scarfs among 
the boys; but darling Flo gave the dolls, saying, “I 
named them all.” 

Each child had also a bag of sugar-plums and a 
slice of cake, and lame Johnny had a pretty book 
also; and he said, with beaming eyes: 

“ I thank you, dear Mrs. Cuthbert; and Fred, too, 
was so good as to bring me. I have such sweet gifts 
to show mother.” 

Percy was charmed with Mary’s gift, and said, 
laughing : 

“ I know that I shall be envied by the boys when 
they see my beautiful case; and I expect that it will 
hold some of your letters, Mary.” 

Our own flock exchanged their love-gifts, and 
Henry Mifflin was not forgotten. 

Then we sang a sweet Christmas hymn, and Percy 
made a few touching remarks about the name of the 
Babe of Bethlehem, charging the listeners never to 
forget that his name was called Jesus because he saves 
his people from their sins. 

Our sewing circle, too, sent off a box of clothing, 
with some Christmas toys, to the family of a Western 
missionary, and I can easily imagine the joy that its 
opening will spread in the household. 

Truly, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” 
Would that we could do more of such holy, work. 

But I must not forget that Edward gave a beau- 
tiful book to Fred; and Sarah was made happy by 


THE HOLIDAYS. 


113 


the gift of one of the prettiest work-boxes that I 
could find. 

The following Sunday was a day to be remem- 
bered; for Percy and our Morning Glory publicly 
owned Jesus as their dear Master, sealing their vows 
of allegiance at his blessed table. 

Wilbur was much affected, but Harold said: 

“ Mary was just as good as she could be before she 
took this step. I do n’t see why she needs profess her 
faith, for her life speaks volumes.” 

“She is obeying her Master, Harold,” I answered; 
“and there is no true discipleship without some mode 
of confessing his name.” 

A sweet thoughtfulness marked her deportment all 
day; and I pray that our Morning Glory may adorn 
this profession of the Master’s holy name. 

After supper, I saw her throw her arm around 
Harold, and I know that she whispered some words 
of love in her brother’s ear; for, proud as he is, I 
think that his heart was touched, for he turned away 
to hide the moisture in his eyes. 

The holidays are at an end, and we are separating 
once more. 

I am glad to have met Henry Mifflin ; for I believe 
that his modest, but firm, example speaks powerfully 
to our Harold. 

And I follow Percy Crofton with my feeble prayers, 
for I believe that Jesus has work for him in this sin- 
ful world. 


8 


114 


CROWN JEWELS. 


C^hptef XV. 


A BUGLE CALL. 


^ AROLD has been gone a few days and here 
comes the diary: 

“Here I am, at school once more, and, 
although I was so happy at home, am really 
glad to be at school, for I like to be at work. 
“It is such a bright, cheerful place; just let 
me draw a picture of our sitting-room, for we boys 
are admitted to the family room, for we are really a 
part of the family, and Mrs. Lennox the mother. 

“No wonder that we like to be there. Not at all 
stylish, but so comfortable, with its open fire of bitu- 
minous coal, and its pretty pictures of former pupils, 
whose memory is cherished by the good lady. 

There she sits, with her knitting or sewing, and 
little Rose on a chair by her side. She is a sweet 
child of ten, and though there is but this one, she is 
not at all spoiled. 

“It is the first evening of our return after the holi- 
days, and Mrs. Lennox encourages us to chatter in a 
lively style about the joys of our visit. Rose brings 
out her Christmas gifts, tells how happy she was, and 
wonders if the angels come now on Christmas Eve, 


A BUGLE CALL. 


115 


for she is very sure that they smile upon this world 
on that blessed night. 

“ I do n’t see exactly how it is, although I suspect ; 
but Mrs. Lennox seems to know when I have not had 
a very good report, and it would make you happy, 
dear mamma, to hear her stirring words calling us to 
duty. She reminds me of what I read the other day, 
saying, that ‘ there are some women like sweet clarion 
notes of inspiration to duty.’ 

“I know two just such women, and am I not a 
happy boy to have two such mothers watching over me? 

“ While Mrs. Lennox makes all due allowance for 
boy-nature, and her words are always cheerful and 
loving, they leave the impression that we are prepar- 
ing here for life’s earnest work, and we can not feel 
that we are only born to please ourselves, but that we 
belong to the God who created us, and that we are 
bought with a precious price. 

“We closed our first evening at school with a feast 
of apples and nuts, for little Rose knows exactly where 
to find them, and likes to distribute them among the 
boys. I always get a large one. 

“Next morning we resumed our studies, and I wish 
that you could have heard the professor’s address, just 
like a bugle call. He made life appear so solemn, 
and our responsibilities so great. Then he spoke of 
the road that lay before us, and described in glowing 
language the different classes of young students. He 
told the story of life’s temptations and duties, of the 
world’s wickedness, and the great need of earnest 


116 


CROWN JEWELS. 


workers. He showed us that in every sphere, high or 
low, there was work for us to do ; and when he spoke 
of the struggles of some heroic souls starting from the 
humblest walks in life, leaving their work upon their 
generation, he stirred up the young blood and made 
our cheeks glow with excitement. 

“At the conclusion he looked around upon us with 
his eagle eye, and, with a clear bugle call, he urged 
decision, and asked who was ready to join this army 
of young workmen for the Lord. When the enemies 
of the truth are so daring and so fierce, who is ready 
to obey the poet’s call? 

“ 1 Life is real, life is earnest, 

And the grave is not its goal. 

Dust thou art, to dust returnest, 

Was not spoken of the soul. 

In the world’s broad field of battle, 

In the bivouac of life, 

Be not like dumb driven cattle, 

Be a hero in the strife. 

Lives of great men all remind us 
We can make our lives sublime, 

And, departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time.’ 

“ I wish that you could have heard him repeat those 
grand words. It was indeed a bugle call, and the most 
thoughtless seemed impressed ; all but poor Gilbert. 

“What a grand man he is! 

“It had made us very thoughtful, and at recess a 
group of boys might have been seen talking over the 


A BUGLE CALL. 


117 


professor’s address. Mifflin seemed very serious, and, 
calling me aside, be said: 

“ ‘ With my feeble health it is not much that I can 
do, Harold. My heart answered the call, but my 
failing frame can only serve my Master by patient 
submission.” 

“Then we talked over the different professions, and 
I wondered what mine would be. 

“ ‘I own, Mifflin,’ I said, ‘ that I would indeed de- 
sire nothing higher or better than to occupy just such 
a position as Professor Lennox.’ 

“He looked surprised as he answered, ‘I thought 
that your ambition would soar beyond that, Harold.’ 

“But there sat Gilbert, so sensual and so stupid, 
with his desk filled with candies, and his brain so dull 
he never took in one word of the professor’s words, 
but I know that I did. I have not the smallest sym- 
pathy with poor Gilbert, and really I can scarcely 
tolerate his society. 

“Now, mamma, I know that you will say, ‘Don’t 
boast of your superiority, Harold, for who made you 
to differ?’ 

“Mrs. Lennox understands me, too, and sometimes 
I feel ashamed when I see that she detects my vanity. 

“When she administers a few wholesome hints little 
Rose often adds a word or two, for we are great friends, 
and she seems to take the place of Madge, only she is 
not such a witch of mischief. The other day, When 
her mother was dropping a few kind words, she drew 
up close to me, and said: ‘You must be a good boy 


118 


CROWN JEWELS . 


and mind mamma, Harold, or I shan’t love you 
one bit.’ 

“Jack Douglass is still at school, but makes no real 
progress in his studies. Gilbert and he are quite inti- 
mate, and Jack was invited to spend the evening in 
# Gilbert’s room, in company with a few of the boarders. 

“ I found that wine and cards were on the table, and 
knowing that such things were forbidden, I was sure 
that Gilbert was practicing deception, and very soon 
left the company, taking little Nat Thurston with me. 
He is a delicate boy, very timid and afraid of the 
elder boys, and I saw that they were urging him to 
take wine, and I could not stand that. I made no 
report of the party, for I despise the business of a 
tale-bearer; but Tom, the waiter-boy, had discovered 
the deception, and reported it to the professor. 

“Next day Gilbert was called to account for his 
breach of rules, and I really felt sorry for him when 
I saw him the object of the boys’ scorn, for we are all 
taught to despise meanness. If there is any thing that 
Professor Lennox abhors it is the meanness of deceit, 
and there was a loud blast of the bugle when he ex- 
posed the wickedness of tempting a little boy like Nat 
Thurston. 

“Gilbert had really no supporter but Jack Doug- 
lass, and although such a fat, overgrown boy, he looked 
so small under the professor’s withering rebuke. 

“ Nat is a dull boy, and has been so often ridiculed 
for his want of smartness that he has no heart for 


A BUGLE CALL. 


119 


study, and sometimes says that * it is no use for him 
to try.’ 

“But he has a talent for sketching, and draws 
beautiful maps, which really teaches him geography. 

“The professor will make something out of that, for 
he takes an interest in the boy, and tells him that he 
has power which he does not exercise. 

“I saw that words of praise inspired him with new 
zeal in his efforts for improvement. 

“ Then he spells so correctly, quite ahead of the 
more gifted boys, and the professor pats him kindly on 
the cheek, with the words: 

“ ‘We’ll make a scholar of you yet, Nat; don’t get 
discouraged; a boy that does such fine work, spells so 
correctly, and is so industrious, can do much more. 
I know of a very gifted bishop who was called the 
dunce of his family until he was fourteen, and now 
he is considered one of the highest in the House of 
Bishops.’ 

“When the professor turned away Nat said with a 
bright smile: 

“ ‘Isn’t he good, Harold? I’m going to try right 
hard, and the boys shall not laugh at me any more 
and call me ninny and numskull.’ 

“The bugle had roused poor little Nat, and I mean 
to watch, yes, and help, too. 

“Next day the professor stepped up to Nat, saying, 
with a bright look of encouragement, ‘I am so glad 
to hear such a good account of you, Nat; all your 
marks creditable to-day.’ 


120 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ ‘That’s your work, professor,’ he replied, ‘for I 
feel wide awake now, and I know I ’m not a dunce.’ 

“ Nat’s course is now steadily onward. To be sure 
he has a hard road to travel, for he is not bright, but 
he perseveres, and when he comes to me with his 
questions I do like to help him, often hearing him 
recite his lessons. 

“The professor has found out that poor little Nat 
has been for some time the fag of the elder boys, and 
is often miserably abused by them. 

“1 am so glad that it was discovered, for our pro- 
fessor is not a man to tolerate any such persecution, 
and calling up the ring leaders he sounded his bugle 
among them, and there was the end of it. Some of 
them tried to declare their innocence, but in the pres- 
ence of the professor Nat told exactly who were the 
offenders, and the little fellow was delivered from 
bondage. Released from this servitude it was really 
amusing aud very touching to see how he watched 
the professor’s movements, always ready to wait upon 
him, so anxious to show his gratitude. Sometimes 
when he thought that he was not observed he con- 
trived to leave a nice apple on the desk, and made it 
his business to keep his tumbler supplied with fresh 
water, and he looked so happy when the professor 
would say to him, in his own kind way: 

“ ‘Thank you, my little friend ; you’re a real clever 
fellow.’ 

“The boy is quite a study for me, for he is really 
making headway. 


A BUGLE CALL. 


121 


“The other day, at recess, some of the boys were 
entertaining their comrades with an account of Bob 
Ingersoll’s lecture, which they had heard the evening 
before, relating some of the coarse jokes of the blas- 
phemer, casting contempt upon the Bible and the 
Great Creator. 

“The professor was attracted by the loud laugh of 
the listeners and overheard some of the stories. 

“ Standing directly in front of them he said, in his 
most ringing tones: 

“ ‘Is it possible, George, that you could listen to 
such abuse and think it a subject of laughter? Surely 
your parents did not know that you were there/ 

“‘Father took me,’ he replied/ ‘and though he 
doesn’t believe in Bob Ingersoll, he thinks that he is 
very smart and very amusing.’ 

“ ‘I am sorry that he took you, George,’ was the 
answer, ‘ for the presence of intelligent men and 
women gives encouragement to such displays of vulgar 
ignorance.’ 

“ ‘A great many Church members were there/ he 
replied, ‘ and laughed as heartily as the rest.’ 

“ ‘The greater shame for them, then/ he said, and 
then blew a blast from his bugle that brought more 
boys around him. I wish that Bob Ingersoll could 
have heard him ask, ‘And what can the poor creature 
give us in exchange for God’s blessed Word? Don’t 
go again, George; he is scattering moral poison, and 
I can’t consent for one of my boys to be ruined; 
would you go, my son, to such a lecture if you knew 


122 


CROWN JEWELS. 


that your father’s character would be traduced? and 
yet you could listen calmly to the contempt cast upon 
our Father in heaven, who sends us all our blessings.’ 

“Does not this bugle stir up the boys of Courtland 
Institute, always on the side of God and duty ? 

“I listen to him with such a proud sense of what he 
is, and when I am studying the problem of my future 
life the picture of our grand professor rises up before 
me, and seems to say, ‘Follow me.’ 

“ I often ask myself, What shall I choose? Not the 
profession of a lawyer, for I do n’t feel inclined to 
become familiar with men’s bad conduct; not a physi- 
cian, for I am too keenly alive to human suffering; 
not a merchant, for I shall be tired to death in count- 
ing up numbers; not a tradesman, for I couldn’t 
tolerate the measuring of goods by the yard; not a 
clergyman, for, although it is the highest and noblest 
calling of humanity, I would not dare to intrude upon 
these sacred ranks with my present character. But 
this high-toned professor with his power of moulding 
and training minds for usefulness, has much attraction, 
and if I thought that I could only be like our stirring 
professor I should be content. What do you think of 
that, mamma? 

“I have just received your letter telling of the 
arrival of a dear little sister. You name her Lilly. Of 
course we shall all love the sweet pet when she is more 
than a lump of flesh and blood, when she is quite 
awake and we can play with baby. 


A JEWEL EARLY SET. 


123 


dl)h-ptef XVI. 


A JEWEL EARLY SET. 


is such a feeble child that I have always felt 
that we hold her loosely. She is a beautiful 
little one, with a profusion of blonde ringlets, 
A deep blue eyes, the sweetest dimpled mouth, 
always dressed in smiles, with such a delicate 
complexion that I often ask, Is this crown jewel 
of mine is to be early set in the Savior’s glorious dia- 
dem? For she is such a heavenly child that I can 
not but feel that she is being rapidly polished for 
another and higher state of existence. 

We often take our walks together, and yesterday 
being a fine day, we started to visit the little cripple, 
Johnny Rawle. . 

Becky had filled Flo’s basket with a few eggs, 
some ripe fruit, and nice biscuits, and the darling was 
so happy, for it is her greatest joy to give. 

Passing along, she often stopped to gather the wild 
flowers by the road-side; and giving me a little bunch, 
she said : 

“Isn’t God good, dear mamma, to give us such 
lovely flowers?” handing a small branch which she 
thought very pretty. 


124 


CROWN JEWELS. 


But while I thaDked her, I said : 

“Those are only weeds, dear.” 

“I wonder if there were any in the garden of 
Paradise,” she said. 

“Never, dear, until the ground was cursed by sin. 
Listen to the terrible words that God spoke to Adam : 

‘ Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt 
thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and 
thistles shall it bring forth to thee/” 

“What a pity!” Flo exclaimed; “but Miss Spen- 
cer says that weeds will not always grow among the 
flowers.” 

“That is true, my love,” I answered; “for when 
Jesus comes to destroy the works of the devil there 
will be no more thorns and briars and ugly weeds, but 
every thing will be beautiful — no weeds, no storms, 
no pestilence, no sin, no sorrow, no death.” 

“ What a happy world it will be then!” she said. 

We stopped at last at little Johnny Rawle’s, and 
found the poor child very weak, and suffering. 

Flo handed her basket to Mrs. Rawle, with the 
words : 

“ There is something for Johnny.” 

And taking the child’s hand, she said, so tenderly: 

“I am sorry for you, Johnny; but Jesus can help 
you to bear your pain. Only pray to him to give you 
patience — you know he loves little children, for didn’t 
he bless them when he was here on earth? I hope 
that he has blessed you, Johnny.” 

Then she took out of her basket a ripe peach, and 


A JEWEL EARLY SET. 


125 


asking Mrs. Kawle to pare it, she handed it to the 
child, with the words. 

“That is one of God’s gifts, Johnny; oughtn’t we 
be very thankful? But he gave us something better 
still when he sent his Son to die for us. I hope that 
you love Jesus, Johnny.” 

Then we passed on to the Gibson’s; and here, too, 
Flo left some of her sweet gifts and sweeter words. 

They were so glad to see the child ; and Mrs. Gib- 
son said : 

“I’m sure that God sends your little girl to bless 
us, for she often cheers mv heart by her kind words; 
and when she talks to us I feel that our Heavenly 
Father has not forgotten us.” 

She is only six, but, young as she is, her influ- 
ence is felt by the children at home, checking many 
an impatient word, and I often hear Madge saying, 
“Now, don’t do that; it -would make Flo so sorry.” 
For the dear little thing often reminds them of the 
Master’s teaching. 

It really seems as if she had imbibed the sweet 
spirit of the Christmas angels, keeping peace among 
the children, for she often says: 

“‘Peace on earth, good will toward men;’ that’s 
what Jesus came to give.” 

There can ’t be any jarring where Flo is. 

Becky and Jane tell me how she prattles in the 
kitchen about Jesus, and say that they know she is 
a heavenly child and will soon be carried away by 
the angels. 


126 


CROWN JEWELS. 


When we returned from our walk she complained 
of being tired, and asked to sit on my lap, begging 
me to sing “The Old, Old Story,” saying: 

“That’s what I love to hear, mamma; there’s 
nothing like the love of Jesus.” 

I feel anxious about the dear child — there does n’t 
seem to be any disease, only increasing debility, and 
sweet, heavenly tempers. 

Four weeks since I wrote the last word, and now, 
where is my darling? 

Polished so early for the Savior’s crown, she. is 
gathered home. 

I overheard Wilbur and Madge recalling the past, 
her memory is so sweet among us. 

We all remember the day when she took her place 
in school as a pupil; for she had learned to read with 
me, dear child. 

How sweet she looked, in her pretty white apron 
that I had made for the new life, her hair tied with 
blue ribbon, and such a conscious look of importance 
on her sweet face. 

There is her little desk, her picture hanging just 
over it. 

Mary opened her desk, and it was in perfect order, 
just like my darling. 

There, too, is her “ Book of Daily Food,” that she 
loved so dearly, and fed her sweet spirit from so 
faithfully. 

There, too, is her pretty work-box, and the last 


A JEWEL EARLY SET. 


127 


piece of work that she ever did, her needle where she 
left it, in her little handkerchief. 

Every one had something to tell of her sweetness; 
and I thought of my darling as a blessed spirit, “fol- 
lowing the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” 

She is the first of my crown jewels gathered for 
the Master, and shall I refuse to yield her to him who 
hath purchased her with his own precious blood? 

When I know how blest she is, can I wish her 
back again in this weary world, where there is so 
much sin and sorrow? 

And yet the dreary blank left by her departure is 
so heart-rending. No words can tell what waves of 
sorrow sometimes roll over my fainting heart. 

One day, when not quite so weak, she told me that 
she wanted her clothes to be given to Mrs. Gibson, 
for her children; “for there are £0 many to clothe,” 
she said, “and Mrs. Gibson is so poor.” 

Then she asked to see her bank; and when we 
opened it we found that it contained nearly five dol- 
lars, that she was saving for the next missionary box 
for the West, which she wished to be laid out for the 
children. “And tell them,” she added, “that it was 
sent by a little girl gone to heaven.” 

"Uncle John had sent a contribution for her bank, 
which helped to swell the amount. 

It wrung my heart to listen to these requests; but 
they are sacred legacies, and all shall be done just as 
she desired. 

The dear Lord was very merciful to my darling; 


128 


CROWN JEWELS. 


for her departure was only the same as going sweetly 
to sleep. 

These bereavements are heart-breaking, and what 
should we be without the hope of reunion in a 
brighter, better world ? 

Jane and Becky have so much to tell about the 
dear child, so many little incidents. 

Becky is subject to bad sick-headaches ; and she 
told, with tears in her eyes, how Flo would wait upon 
her, bathing her head with cool water, shutting out 
the light, walking about on tip-toe, and when Jane 
make her a nice cup of tea it was Flos little hand 
that carried it to the bedside. 

And then they told how she would talk about her 
Savior, and sing her sweet hymns of praise to her 
dear Lord, for “do n’t we know that she was one of 
his own dear lambs?” said Jane. “And we promised 
her that we would read our Bibles, and pray every 
day for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we have not 
forgotten our promise.” 

I gave each of them a copy of “ Daily Food,” 
telling them that Flo was so fond of the little book; 
and I had a copy of her likeness taken for each of 
these faithful servants. 

But how we miss her sweet voice at family prayers 
no words can tell, for she always sang the hymns that 
she knew ; but now we think of her as one of that 
great multitude of little children who sing the praises 
of redeeming love in the presence of the dear Re- 
deemer. 


A JEWEL EARLY SET. 


129 


It is through much tribulation that we are brought 
home to glory; for I feel that this bereavement is 
drawing my heart heavenward. 

Hitherto my path has been by the still waters of 
domestic sunshine, which has made the world such a 
happy home; but the Lord is teaching me that “this 
is not our rest.” 

9 


130 


CROWN JEWELS. 


(tykptei* XVII. 


EASTER MORNING. 


HAVE been sick for two months, confined to 
my room, and take up my pen to-day for the 
first time. 

So much there is to record of loving kindness 
and tender mercy from the hands of my gra- 
cious Father. 

It is one thing to know Jesus as an historical per- 
son, and quite another to know him as a blessed 
Savior, a sympathizing brother, “touched with the 
feeling of our infirmities.” There are so many expres- 
sions in the Epistles which speak of the depths of 
Christian experience, and it takes sickness and sorrow 
to teach our dull hearts the meaning of these unsearch- 
able riches. 

“Risen with Christ,” “the fullness of the blessing 
of the Gospel of Christ,” “hidden with Christ in God,” 
“ partakers of the divine nature,” “dwelling in Christ 
and he in us.” 

Love to Jesus and panting after holiness seem to 
be the burden of apostolic teaching, and holiness the 
great boon which Jesus came to bestow, for what 
regenerate soul could be satisfied with pardon only? 


EASTER MORNING. 


131 


or how could we eujoy heaven without the meetness 
for the inheritance. 

Then the command is, “Be ye therefore perfect, 
as your Father in heaven is perfect. ” 

“Be holy, for God is holy.” 

0 for “the perfect love which casteth out fear, for 
fear hath torment.” 

The Lord has been very good to me, saying, 
“Tarry thou here.” May I not hope that he whispers, 
also, “While I go and pray yonder?” for is he not 
always praying for his weak, trembling children? 

Did he ever turn aside from one that sought his 
pardoning mercy and sanctifying grace? 

Such passages as these are very, very precious: 

“Great multitudes followed him, and he healed 
them all ”— not one or two of the company only, but 
he healed them all. 

“ O for a closer walk with God, 

A calm and heavenly frame, 

A light to shine upon the road 
That leads me to the Lamb.” 

1 am tired now, and must lay down my pen awhile. 

What a blessed ministry surrounds me every day! 
My crown jewels, so loving, so devoted. 

The other day Allan brought me the first snow- 
drop, the sweet harbinger of Spring, so beautifully 
called “The snow-piercer.” 

In a few days afterward Madge came in with some 
lovely crocuses. 


132 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Aren’t they lovely?” she asked. “I came across 
a poem the other day which set me to hunting. I 
was afraid that it was almost too soon, but I found all 
these. Shall I read the poem, mamma?” 

In her own sweet w r ay she read the following: 

“THE SNOW-DROP AND THE CROCUS. 

“ Deep down in the ground, on a cold Winter bed, 

A crocus and snow-drop had long since seemed dead ; 
But deep in the earth, 

Where the flowers have birth, 

They both had been watching the snow overhead. 

Said Snow-drop, “I ’m sure there is stirring below, 

Just as soon as I ’m called I am ready to go. 

The long frozen juice 
Now begins to unloose. 

Get my hat and my cloak, I do n’t fear the snow. 

Good-bye, now, dear Crocus, I hear the sweet voice 
Of the Spring as she ’s calling, O don’t we rejoice? 

Get ready, my dear, 

You have nothing to fear ; 

Get your very best coat, and your Spring hat so choice. 

With a coat of green leaves, and a hat of pure white, 
Little Miss Snow-drop, with a step quick and light, 

Was the first one to go 
Piercing through the cold snow 
With a smile for the watchers, so cheery and bright. 

And early one morning, through a deep wintry bed, 

She is piercing a snow-drift with her pretty white head. 
Two children were there, 

Both with light, curly hair — 

‘ 0 here is a snow-drop,’ the little one said. 


EASTER MORNING. 


133 


They plucked two or three with their plump little hands, 
And placed them in water on dear mamma’s stand. 

The sick mother smiled 
On each sweet little child, 

For they spoke of a life in the beautiful land. 

Then tulip and hyacinth watched for their hours, 

And the earth was soon filled with the fragrance of 
flowers, 

With promise of rest, 

Of a rising so blest, 

When the glorified dust shall arise in God’s power.” 

Our Morning Glory brings her work, and while she 
sews we talk of heavenly things. 

It is Easter morning, a bright resurrection day. 
The bells of a neighboring village are ringing out the 
joyous chimes. It really seemed as if they said : 
“Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed.” 

Mary has just finished my wrapper. Dressed in it, 
and seated in my easy-chair, I was ready for family 
worship, for on this bright day Edward proposed that 
we should rejoice together. 

He read the story of the resurrection and made 
some of his sweetest remarks upon the blessed theme. 
Then we sang our Easter hymn — 

“ Christ the Lord is risen to-day, 

Sons of men and angels say : 

Eaise your joys and triumphs high, 

Sing, ye heavens, — and earth, reply. 

Love’s redeeming work is done, 

Fought the fight, the victory won; 

Lo ! the sun’s eclipse is o’er, 

Lo ! he sets in blood no more. 


134 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Vain the stone, the watch, the seal — 

Christ hath burst the gates of hell ; 

Death in vain forbids his rise, 

Christ hath opened Paradise. 

Soar we now where Christ hath led, 

Following our exalted Head ; 

Made like him, like him we rise, 

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.” 

Then we surrounded a throne of grace all together, 
for Harold and Wilbur were at home for the Easter 
holidays. 

After this I taught the resurrection hymn for the 
young of the flock, but we all sang it, for we were all 
children on this blessed Easter day. 

‘ Now the bursting Spring awakes, 

Now the flowers bloom, 

Now the sleeping insects creep 
From their wintry tomb. 

CHORUS. 

King the chimes! ring the chimes! 

Easter day ! happy day ! 

King the chimes ! ring the chimes ! 

Blessed Easter day ! 

Now the birds are flying home, 

Singing as they come ; 

Now the world is full of joy, 

Spring, bright Spring has come. 

Ring the chimes, etc. 

Many little children sleep 
In their lonely tomb, 

Where the angels keep their watch 
Till the Savior comes. 

Ring the chimes, etc. 


EASTER MORNING. 


135 


Now we hail the Easter day, * 

For it sings to me, 

Christ the Lord is risen to-day, 

Thus he will raise me. 

Ring the chimes, etc.” 

Then came the love gifts. 

A picture of Easter morning, beautifully framed, 
from Edward; a copy of Children in Heaven, hand- 
somely bound, from our Morning Glory; from Harold, 
one of his own pictures, prettily framed; from Wilbur, 
a lovely calla in a china pot; from Madge some sweet 
hyacinths; from Allan, a pretty vase filled with 
violets ! 

Wasn’t I a happy mother? and didn’t I kiss my 
crown jewels and pray God to bless them and spare 
them to me many years, spare them for liis blessed 
service. 

Tears filled my eyes as I looked upon Edward’s 
lovely gift, for the sweet picture of Easter morning 
spoke such whispers of heavenly comfort as I thought 
of my little Flo, so early gathered for the Savior’s 
crown. 

“But we shall have her again, Edward,” I said. 

I have long since answered submissively the ques- 
tions of Longfellow’s Reaper, and can say now I give 
my fairest. 

Then I repeated some of the beautiful lines : 

“ My Lord has need of these flowerets gay, 

The Reaper said and smiled; 

Dear tokens of the earth are they, 

Where he was once a child. 


136 


CROWN JEWELS. 


And the mother gave in tears and pain, 

The flowers she most did love ; 

She knew she should find them all again 
In the fields of light above. 

O not in cruelty, not in wrath, 

The Reaper came that day ; 

’T was an angel visited the green earth, 

And took the flowers away.” 

Madge came banging around me with her loving 
words. 

“Do you know, mamma, how pretty you are?” 
she said; “and what a lovely wrapper!” 

“I hope that I shall always be pretty to you, my 
darling,” I answered. 

I wondered v r hat was coming next, for Mary spread 
out a little table with some of our best china, and 
then a sponge-cake of Jane’s own making was set in 
the middle, having a card attached to it with her 
name, “From Jane Withers.” 

Then followed a large bowl of Southern strawber- 
ries and cream, and we had a delightful feast on this 
Easter morning. 

Sparkling little Lilly was the brightest of the 
guests, for she is running round now, prattling so 
sweetly, nearly two years old. 

“Hasn’t mamma dot a beauty party?” she asked, 
“such pitty flowers and red strawberries! I know 
who sent them. Sadie Bronson brought them last 
evening. There, now; say, sister, I didn’t tell.” 

We are a blessed company, indeed, sitting so hap- 
pily among the sweet promises of an early Spring, the 


EASTER MORNING. 


137 


bright sky, the lovely flowers, the ripe strawberries, 
the song of the birds outside of my window, and, above 
all, the resurrection hopes. 

I repeated the grand words of the apostle : “If 
you, then, be risen with Christ seek those things which 
are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of 
God.” 

“But, mamma,” said Madge, “if we are all the 
time thinking about things above, we should be so 
serious, not a bit like children.” 

“That’s a great mistake, dear,” I replied; “little 
children are not called to seek the same kind of heav- 
enly things as grown people.” 

“TIow is that, mamma?” she asked. 

“Yours are very sweet duties, Madge,” I said; 
“Jesus wants you to be a good, obedient child, a lov- 
ing sister, and a little girl that wants to do good to 
every body; wouldn’t that be happy? Now, suppose 
that in the sphere where God has placed us we try to 
do his holy, blessed will.” 

I do believe that the Easter blessing descended 
upon us on that holy day, for there was such a sweet 
spirit of love among our children. 

I have tried to let the child-life dwell among us as 
long as it will in the hearts of our flock, for cares and 
trials will come soon enough. 

When I was left alone how earnestly I prayed that 
my crown jewels might all be found in the Savior’s 
crown of glory when he comes to gather ail his blood- 
bought gems. 


138 


CROWN JEWELS . 


C^hptef XVIII. 

OUR MORNING GLORY. 

has been a long time since I have written in 
my diary, for I have not the heart to keep a 
family record where Flo’s dear name no longer 
appears as one of its beloved members. 

She gave her canary to Madge while she was 
sick, and now its merry carols sound like a 
mockery; but still I love the bird, because it is a relic 
of my darling. And so Cherry sings while I write. 

Her departure has cast a shadow over the house- 
hold; for her gentle ministry was so sweet. Even 
our wild Madge is subdued, and I often see her sit- 
ting in a pensive mood, and believe that many serious 
thoughts have been awakened by this bereavement; 
for she often comes to me with questions about death 
and resurrection. 

I see marks of spiritual growth about Our dear 
Morning Glory, and last evening she came to me with 
her sweet confidence, asking how she might best serve 
her dear Lord and Master. 

I told her that the Lord chooses all our lot, and 
appoints the work of his children, and it seemed to 
me that the calling of a daughter and sister was the 
path just now for our dear child. 



OUR MORNING GLORY. 


139 


“ Can ’t I do something in the Church, dear 
mamma?” she asked. “But the classes in the Sun- 
day-school are all provided with teachers, and I can ’t 
see my corner.” 

“ The Lord will direct you, Mary,” I replied ; 
“only ask for guidance, and watch the leadings of 
Providence.” 

She always shows me Percy’s letters. They are so 
helpful to a young Christian, breathing a spirit of the 
purest affection, and holding up high aims in the 
heavenward path. 

I will give an extract below : 

“ Life is very sweet, dear Mary ; but let us give it 
all to Jesus, for he is worthy of our purest, warmest 
love. Let us study his blessed character, as it is re- 
vealed in the Gospels, and under the teaching of the 
Holy Spirit we will thus learn to love him who is 
‘the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely 

“ If we truly love him, we shall want to serve him 
by a life of holy obedience and devoted love. 

“ Ho n’t let us forget that we took the vows of a 
Christian profession on the same day, and thus took 
the Lord for our God, and his service for our chief joy. 

“ Look around, dear, and see how you can best 
serve him. 

“ There are so many poor, needy, and ignorant 
souls in this world that we do not have to look very 
far to find plenty of work. Are you doing any thing 
for Jesus outside of your home? If not, try to find 
some needy souls who crave your help. . 


140 


CROWN JEWELS. 


i( Let us live close to God, for he is the only source 
of real joy and blessedness. 

“As for myself, I am very busy with my studies, 
for that is work for the Lord, because it is training 
the mind that he has given me for service in his 
blessed Church; for that is my calling, dear Mary. 
I have no higher aim than to preach the glad tidings 
of salvation to a perishing world. 

“ I hope that you often go to see my parents; for 
I know that they miss Percy. They love you, Mary, 
not only for your own sake, but because you are my 
precious friend. 

“ I find work at college, for there are scores of 
immortal beings here who need a word of counsel. 

“ They are my brothers, Mary, and I am able to 
drop many a loving word among them for my Master.” 

This is the general tenor of Percy’s letters; and 
this sweet spirit of deep piety must be a great help 
to our Morning Glory. I am truly glad that she has 
such a correspondent. 

She has a 'warm friend, too, in Sarah Bronson, 
who was received last Sunday into the communion 
of the Church. 

She is a valuable friend to Mary ; for her practical 
good sense is so strengthening to one so tender as our 
dear Morning Glory. 

They spend much time together, and are following 
Percy’s hints in studying the Gospels of our dear 
Lord. 

They are both anxious to be employed in the serv- 


OUR MORNING GLORY. 


141 


ice of their Master, and often talk to me about their 
earnest desires. 

The other day they walked out together in the 
neighborhood of the factory, and Mary came to me, 
when they returned, brimful of new thoughts. 

“I think we have found work,” she said; “for we 
saw s(f many ragged, dirty children on the bauks of 
the creek, some making mud pies, some wading in the 
creek, some squabbling and using such bad language, 
that I said to Sarah: 

“ 4 1 guess there ’s work for us here; but how shall 
we go about it?* 

“We talked it over, and, acting upon some of 
Sarah’s hints, we joined some of the little groups, and 
asked if any went to Sunday-school. 

“ We found that none of them could read, for 
there was no school near. 

“When I spoke to them of Jesus, they looked so 
blank, as if they had seldom, or perhaps never, heard 
of that blessed gift of a Savior for lost sinners. 

“ We asked if they would like to come to Sunday- 
school, for we were ready to teach them the way to 
heaven. 

“ Some few answered favorably; but we found that 
they were very destitute of proper clothing. 

“And now, mamma,” Mary asked, at the close of 
her story, “can’t we alter some of our clothes for 
them? Sarah will help; and we will each of us take 
our class to the Sunday-school.” 

I encouraged the idea, and told them to bring the 


142 


CROWN JEWELS. 


children to Shadyside, and then we would see what 
could be done. 

Accordingly, next day the girls brought six little 
ragged children for us to fit out for Sunday-school. 

Sarah brought some of her cast-off clothing, and 
■we had also quite a goodly pile of garments that could 
be transformed. 

When they found that they were to have nice 
dresses and sacques, with hats and shoes, too, they 
were in a state of great excitement; and I have no 
doubt that the number will be much increased by this 
prospect. 

We went to work in earnest; and even Madge 
helped, too, for she is old enough now to learn to be 
useful. 

The children came again on the following day to 
be fitted, and with them three more; so we found that 
we had quite a heavy task to accomplish. But Sarah 
was a great help, so ingenious and industrious. It was 
truly a cheerful bee that was gathered in our library, 
and our Morning Glory said, with such a bright, 
happy face: 

“This is nice work, dear mamma. Think how 
happy it will make so many; and won’t Percy be glad 
when he hears what we are doing?” 

In three more days the children were rigged in 
their new suits, and were n’t they a proud little 
company? 

When the last touch was given, they dropped a 
homely courtesy, with many thanks, and promised to 


OUR MORNING GLORY. 


143 


come on Sunday morning, when Mary would take 
them to the Sunday-school. 

True to their promise, they presented themselves, 
and we each had a class of six to introduce to the 
superintendent. 

Doctor Crofton was delighted, and said that “ he 
wished others would take the hint from this example, 
and thus many classes might be formed, and so much 
good done.” 

Then he spoke to the new-comers with words of 
hearty welcome, telling them what was expected 
of them. 

The two girls are just as happy as young hearts 
can be ; and I pray that God would bless our Morn- 
ing Glory’s work. 

Her heart was now full of plans for the factory 
children, and one day she said : 

“ It is such a pity that so many can ’t read, mamma, 
for it would be a tedious task in the short morning 
session. Could n’t we have a night-school, to meet 
twice a week?” 

“We’ll think about it, dear,” I answered, for it 
seemed quite possible. 

Consulting Edward, we invited these two classes 
to our own school-room at home; but it soon grew 
beyond that, and Doctor Crofton allowed us the use 
of the Bible-class room, where they were taught to 
read, spell, write; also the simple rules of arithmetic, 
and a passage of Scripture at each meeting. 


144 


CROWN JEWELS. 


We were obliged to call in the aid of the boys, and 
Harold, Fred, and Wilbur took classes. 

We had some trouble, at first, with these undisci- 
plined children; but kindness aud patience work won- 
ders among young folks, and little rewards, in the 
shape of pretty cards for the diligent, helped on the 
work. 

“ See, mamma,” said our Morning Glory, “ we have 
found our work, and it started from a company of lit- 
tle folks making mud pies and wading in the creek.” 


FEED'S AMBITION. 


145 


Cl^ptef XIX. 

FRED’S AMBITION. 

/ 2Jf2? v E have watched Fred’s cornfield with great in- 
PO) terest, for he is such a noble, manly boy that 
nothing would please me more than to find 
that he is likely to succeed, 
u He tells us now and then how his fund is 
® growing, and often says, “I am very hopeful 

and am confident that I shall obtain my desire.” 

It really seems so, for last evening Mr. Bronson 
came over the stile with good news. 

“Fred is getting on bravely,” said the proud father; 
“almost enough to carry him through the first year. 
He deserves to succeed, for I have never heard him 
utter one word of complaint about hard work, and 
last Winter he gave up his new suit that he might 
add the money to the fund, and he is so cheerful 
and industrious, such a good boy, that I do believe 
that God will bless our son.” 

Edward asked what was needed to make up the 
amount, and generously offered to supply the defici- 
ency, for he said : 

“I know that I am not only aiding a deserving 
boy, but I am helping to give the world a noble 
worker.” 


10 


146 


CRO WN JEWELS. 


Next day Fred came over to return his thanks, 
and grasping Edward’s hand in a warm clasp he said, 
with moistened eyes : 

“You shall never regret your generous help, my 
friend, for I am full of energy and strong hope, and, 
with God’s blessing, I trust that I shall be a faithful 
servant of the Lord, who has touched your heart, for 
it all comes from our Father, Mr. Cuthbert.” 

Edward saw, too, that Fred’s clothes were very 
shabby, and said that such a spirit should not be sub- 
jected to mortification among his school-mates, and 
therefore handed a check to Mr. Bronson, directing 
him to use it all for Fred’s outfit. 

When he appeared among us in his neat suit 
he really looked every inch a gentleman, saying so 
gratefully : 

“It would have been a trial to be slighted for 
shabby clothes, but I could have stood it, Mr. Cuth- 
bert, when I remembered what I was about.” 

Fred is a handsome lad, and when he uttered these 
few strong words with such a flash of honest pride, I 
honored the manly boy, and, clasping his hand, I said: 

“I must have something to do with this good 
work, Fred.” 

Then I handed him a box of handkerchiefs, neck- 
ties, and collars, for Edward had already supplied the 
gloves. 

“What have I done to deserve all this?” he asked. 

“You have done many neighborly acts, Fred, as 


FRED’S AMBITION. 


147 


your flower-bed and vegetable patch can testify,” Ed- 
ward replied, “and this is my acknowledgment/’ 

“May God bless you, my dear, kind friend!” was 
his grateful answer. 

Wilbur is so lonely without his brother, and we 
think that he is old enough to join him, so it is quite 
decided that he is to enter in the Fall term. 

But what shall we do without our two bright 
boys? they are such a comfort. 

I feel that I can trust Wilbur among the new 
trials of school life, for I believe that he is a true 
child of God, and under the guidance of our Heavenly 
Father will be led on in the narrow way. 

He, too, has been numbered with the people of 
God ; and thus I count three crown jewels safe in the 
Savior’s loving care — darling Flo, quite out of the 
reach of sin and sorrow; our Morning Glory aud dear 
Wilbur under the care of the Good Shepherd, and 
sheltered by his love, guided by his Spirit, I trust will 
overcome at last. 

But Harold stands aloof yet, his intellectual pride 
the great barrier between his soul and the blessed 
Savior, for he often says : 

“ What lack I yet? Don’t I try to fulfill all my 
duties as son, brother, friend, pupil, and what lack I 
yet?” 

I reply : 

“ The love of God, as the ruling motive of every 
action.” 

May the Holy Spirit show him his great need ! I 


148 


CROWN JEWELS. 


commit him daily to his guidance, and doubt not that 
Harold will be brought into the fold at last. 

Madge is much more thoughtful; Allan, too, is 
overcoming his natural love of ease, — and Miss Spen- 
cer cheers my heart by telling me how much they 
have improved since dear Flo’s departure. 

Madge came the other evening, to have a long 
talk with me before retiring, and told me, in an art- 
less way, with such a serious face, that Allan and she 
had made up their minds to become Christians. 

I told the dear child that making up the mind was 
not all; for that it was the Holy Spirit alone that 
could give the new heart, without which we can not 
please God. 

Then we knelt together, and I poured out a heart- 
warm prayer for dear, frolicsome Madge and her 
brother. 

The Summer has passed away, the leaves are fad- 
ing; and this warns us that in a very few days we 
must part with our dear boys. 

Wilbur has been very cheerful in the prospect; 
but as the day draws nigh I see the shadows clouding 
the dear boy’s face, for his is a loving nature. 

I often see Mary and him walking under the shade 
of our trees, both so serious, and I know that she is 
giving him some gentle hints about life at school. 

She has given him a pretty case for his themes, 
and a little needle-book for accidents that may happen 
to buttons, saying : 


FRED'S AMBITION . 


149 


“Think of sister, clear Wilbur, when you use 
them.” 

“Do I ever forget our Morning Glory?” he an- 
swered, with such a beaming face. 

It is Monday morning, and the three boys are bid- 
ding farewell for a season. 

“Only a few days,” said Harold, “and we shall 
be here again.” 

I watch my crown jewels, as they pass down the 
avenue, with a mother’s heart of love, aucl send up a 
fervent prayer that God will protect and guide and 
bless my children ; and I know that he will, for he is 
a faithful God, that hears and answers prayer when 
offered in his Son’s name. 

But when I entered our sitting-room, and saw their 
empty chairs, Harold’s sketches on the wall, and Wil- 
bur’s favorite books, I said, with a sigh: 

“How we shall miss them!” 

In a few days we received Harold’s diary, so full 
of Wilbur’s advent at the institute. 

Thus he writes : 

“We received a warm welcome from the profes- 
sor; but Wilbur is so shy and timid, I felt sorry for 
him. The professor saw it, too ; and while he shook 
hands cordially with Fred, he threw his arm around 
Wilbur’s waist, and I heard him say: 

“ ‘ You’ll find a kind mother here, my boy.’ 

“The boys looked at the new-comers somewhat 


150 


CROWN JEWELS. 


curiously, and I saw Jack Douglass whisper some- 
thing to Gilbert which brought a sneer upon his face ; 
no doubt hints about the work on the farm. 

“ In the evening Mrs. Lennox called Wilbur to 
her side, and said : 

“‘We don’t have any lonesome boys here, my 
son. Just be a good, diligent boy, and you’ll be as 
happy as the day is long; isn’t that so, Harold?’ 

“ ‘ I can truly answer, Yes, indeed,’ I replied; ‘for 
this room is always such a sweet shelter, just like 
home, and our little Rose such a sunbeam.’ 

“Then she brought out a basket of red apples, 
and I saw that Wilbur was quite at home. 

“ But when we covered up in bed I heard Wilbur 
sigh, and then I knew that his heart was turning to 
Shadyside and its dear inmates. 

“ In school next day the professor gave him plenty 
to do, and said: 

“‘You have been highly favored, boys, for some 
one has laid a solid * foundation upon which to build.’ 

“ I knew who had done this good work for us, and 
I gave a heart-warm testimony to Miss Spencer’s faith- 
fulness. 

“The professor is charmed with Fred Bronson and 
said to me : 

“ ‘There is the making of a brilliant man in that 
boy, Harold.’ 

“ ‘Yes,’ I answered, ‘and a good one, too.’ 

“And then I told a little of Fred’s history, and 
how bravely he had worked. 


FRED’S AMBITION. 


151 


“ ‘He is only treading in the path of many of our 
great men, Harold. If you read their history you 
will see that early struggles perfect character. Wit- 
ness the sturdy oak in its battle with the elements/ 

“I am so glad to see how rapidly Fred is stepping 
forward, not only for his own sake, but it is such a 
mortifying reproof to Jack Douglass, who I know tries 
to humble Fred among the boys. Gilbert, too, is 
envious of the popularity of the newcomer, but, al- 
though Fred sees it all, and knows just where to 
lay the blame, he quietly pursues his way and only 
says : 

“ ‘I have no time to attend to such boys as these 
two ; let them enjoy themselves ; they can ’t hurt 
me/ 

“ Then he told me how the professor had encour- 
aged him by the history of his own early struggles, 
for he, too, had started in life from very humble 
beginnings. 

“I am sorry to say that Mifflin is declining very 
fast, and will leave us to-morrow. I shall miss him, 
dear mamma, for he has been a faithful friend to me, 
and his bright example has taught me many a useful 
lesson. 

“ I have bidden farewell to my dear friend, and 
the night before he spoke so sweetly of his faith in 
Christ that I thought what a blessed hope the Chris- 
tian’s is. 


152 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ He gave me a little book on spiritual piety, writ- 
ing his clear name on the fly-leaf. 

“Don’t get discouraged, dear mamma; I can truly 
say thus much, I do most earnestly desire to be a 
true Christian, and you may be very sure that I shall 
never make a hasty profession.” 


WILBURS DIARY . 


153 


Cl\hptef XX. 


WILBUR’S DIARY. 


F course, dear mamma, you will want to know 
something of my impressions in this new world. 

“ You know how shy I am, and I own that 
I felt most painfully the trial of being amoug 
strangers ; but this wise, good professor soon 
put me at rest, for he understood the timid 
boy, and when he threw his arm around me, and 
-whispered a few kind words, I felt that I had a warm, 
true friend in this wise guardian. And when he sees 
me looking lonely, in passing, he often touches me on 
the back, and thus I know that he doesn’t forget me. 
Is n’t that almost like a baby? What a teacher he is! 
making every thing so clear. I think it a great priv- 
ilege to be one of his pupils. 

“ My place assigned in my classes, I had plenty 
of work, the very best thing for a boy that was a 
little homesick. 

“Fred Bronson made a most happy impression in 
school, especially with the professor, and I saw that 
Jack Douglas was not going to bear that quietly; for 
did n’t he remember the story about carrying slop to 
the pigs? 

“ I was pretty sure that he would make use of 


154 


CRO WN JEWELS. 


that old story; for when Fred was first introduced I 
saw Jack whisper in Gilbert’s ear, which was answered 
by a sneer. 

“ But I have something to show you how mean an 
envious nature can be. 

“ There w r as a prize offered for the best English 
composition, and I was pretty sure that Fred would 
obtain it, for there is not a boy here who can excel 
him. 

“The day arrived, and when Fred handed his 
theme to the professor I saw his countenance change, 
for it was shamefully blotted. 

“‘How could you hand me such a production, 
Fred?’ he asked, with much displeasure. 

“‘It is none of my doing,’ he replied, ‘for when 
it was finished, and folded up, it was perfectly clean; 
but on taking it out of my desk, to my surprise, I 
saw that it was ruined. It could not have been an 
accident, for our inkstands are sunken in our desks, 
and covered. It was the work of some hand, Pro- 
fessor Lennox.’ 

“As he glanced around the room, two boys looked 
as if they could tell something if they would. 

“ ‘ I pity the boy who could do such an act,’ said 
the professor; ‘but it will come to light — mark my 
words.’ 

“The prize was awarded to Harold; and the pro- 
fessor told Fred to leave the article with him, as he 
had not done with it yet. 

“ You will be glad to hear that Harold stands high 


WILBUR'S DIARY. 


155 


in all his classes; but he is not very popular, for he 
never joins in any of the sly performances of school- 
boys. 

‘‘There is a literary society connected with the in- 
stitute, and they are about to celebrate the first anni- 
versary of its formation, offering a prize for composition. 

“The professor has told Fred to copy his theme 
and offer it; ‘for it would give me the greatest pleas- 
ure to see malice defeated/ he said. 

“After school we three boys talked over the affair, 
and I asked : 

“ ‘ Have you any suspicions, Fred?’ 

“ ‘I think so/ he replied; ‘a little more than sus- 
picions/ And then he told what he had seen : 

“ ‘ Passing through the hall, the afternoon before, 
I heard a noise in the school-room, and, as the door 
was ajar, I looked in, and there I saw Gilbert busy 
at my desk. 

“‘I said, angrily, “What are you about there, 
boy? You have no right to meddle with my desk.” 

‘“With great confusion, he replied: 

“ ‘ “ I have lost my algebra, and thought that 
perhaps it might have got among your books.” 

‘“He looked very guilty; but I said no more.’ 

“‘Are you going to let him off, Fred?’ asked 
Harold. ‘That mean boy ought to be exposed.’ 

“ ‘ I shall not do it, for I despise fusses/ was 
his reply. 

“ But I knew that Harold would n’t allow the boy 
to escape so easily. 


156 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Accordingly, he made known the facts to the 
professor, who sifted the matter, and had no doubt 
that Gilbert was the guilty one. 

“ I really pitied the boy when the professor ex- 
posed him before the whole school, and suspended him 
from the school-room for one week, his lessons being 
heard after school was dismissed, 

“You may be sure that he was shunned by the 
boys after that meanness; for when at the close of the 
week he returned to the school-room, no one noticed 
him but Jack Douglass. 

“ Fred copied his theme beautifully, and, offering 
it to the society, it was read by the professor himself, 
and, amid hearty applause, took the prize. 

“The two boys were chap-fallen, indeed; for the 
one whom they had thought to humble was exalted, 
and the guilty one abased. 

“We have good times, mamma; for we have a 
fine play-ground, where the professor often joins us — 
the biggest and merriest boy of all. And sometimes 
he comes among us in the sitting-room, after study 
hours. 

“ But Gilbert stands aloof from us all, he is so 
deeply mortified. 

‘ ‘ Last evening we met there as usual ; but Gilbert 
was alone in the school-room, for when Jack Douglass 
is absent he has no companion. 

“Doesn’t sin bring its punishment, even here, 
mamma? 

“Fred Bronson is such a generous, noble hearted 


WILBUR'S DIARY. 


157 


fellow ; for he could n’t bear to see one so cast aside, 
aud he said : 

“‘I’m going after Gilbert, boys. I think that he 
has been punished enough ; and I remember, too, that 
he is an orphan.’ 

“ ‘Are you really going to be such a soft-hearted 
Miss Molly?’ said one of the boys. 

“ ‘ I am just going to do what I would like done 
to me,’ he replied; ‘and I am not afraid of being 
laughed at, either, while I am trying in a very hum- 
ble way to follow my Master.’ 

“ No one can ever look upon Fred Bronson as a 
Miss Molly while he tries to follow the most manly 
of all human examples. Was n’t our dear Lord a 
noble specimen of true manliness? 

“Harold went with him, and told about the inter- 
view when w T e were alone. 

“ He said that Gilbert was sitting by himself, 
looking so disconsolate, and comforting himself with 
candies and cakes. 

“ Fred went directly up to him, with the frank, 
manly words: 

“ ‘ I can ’t stand this any longer, Gilbert, and I ’ve 
come to take you to the sitting-room.’ 

“ ‘Not till I ask your pardon, Fred,’ he replied; 
‘for I know that you did not want to expose me, and 
I know, too, that I did a mean act. But Jack Doug- 
lass set me on, and I am heartily ashamed of it.’ 

“‘It’s all forgiven, Gilbert,’ was Fred’s reply. 

‘ And now, if you want to retrace your steps aud be a 


158 


CROWN JEWELS. 


good mao, cut loose from all bad companions, and join 
those who will help you.’ 

‘ ‘ When they entered the sitting-room there was a 
lull in the conversation, a shy look on the faces of 
the boys, and a deeply mortified and sorrow T ful look 
on Gilbert’s, and so he sat apart from the rest ; but 
Fred kindly looked after him. 

“We sang some of the professor’s college songs, 
which we boys enjoy heartily, and then played games, 
and guessed conundrums, some of us attempting to 
make some of our own. 

“At the close we sang Fred’s favorite song, com- 
posed for the Centennial: 

“ ‘ Roll the drum, loud blow the trumpet, 
Throughout the earth proclaim it, 

Proud Liberty has found a home, 

America we name it. 

’T is true we are but children yet, 

New wine we .have been drinking, 

Pressed from the juice of Freedom’s grapes, 

Not the best wine for thinking. 

Chorus — Blow the trumpet, Jonathan, 

Let the nations hear it ; 

Blow the trumpet, Jonathan, 

Let the nations cheer it. 

Blow the trumpet ; come, ye nations, 

It is our glorious birthday ; 

Step in the car of Liberty, 

Speeding across earth’s pathway. 

No blood-red hands shall hold the reins, 

Blest Peace shall raise the banner ; 


WILBUR’S DIARY. 


159 


When righteousness shall fill the land. 
We’ll shout aloud, Hosanna! 

Blow the trumpet, etc. 

They say we Yankees like to boast; 

I guess ’t is pretty true, sir ; 

Singing our Cock-a-doodle-doo, 

When strangers pass this way, sir. 

But we are only children yet, 

And boys are full ot capers ; 

And that may be the reason why 
We brag so much in papers. 

Blow the trumpet, etc. 

IVe ’ve often heard, I guess ’tis true, 

All nations have their crankies; 

“ Put on the steam and go ahead !” 

That is the way with Yankees. 

Full many somersaults we’ve had, 
Throughout our boyish season ; 

We may have more, ere comes the dawn 
Of sober, second reason. 

Blow the trumpet, etc. 

Good Father Bull is here to-day, 

Pie shall be warmly greeted ; 

Just side by side with Yankee John 
We’re glad to see him seated. 

We have no room for little thoughts 
In this our Western free land, 

But sing, with hearty, right good will, 
God bless the queen of England! 

Blow the trumpet, etc. 

Louis Crapeau is with us, too, 
Uncrowned he sits among us, 

The bauble gone; but jealous eyes, 
Keen as the sight of Argus, 


160 


CROWN JEWELS . 


Are watching o’er that hidden toy, 

Until, amid the shaking 
Of red-hot partisans, they see 
The day for kings awaking. 

Blow the trumpet, etc. 

The Russian Bear, with friendly paw, 

Extends his kindly greeting; 

And nations from the distant East 
In right good will are meeting, 

All pointing to the blessed day, 

When, in the coming glory, 

Slaughter and strife shall pass away, 

And war be but a story. 

Blow the trumpet, etc/ 

“ It was received with hearty cheers, for the boys 
were in a patriotic mood. 

“After Fred’s noble conduct, I don’t think that 
Gilbert will ever join a clique against any boy, or 
lend himself to such meanness. 

“After he had left the room, Fred proposed that 
they should all try to forget Gilbert’s conduct, and, as 
he seemed truly penitent, extend a brother’s helping 
hand. 

“‘Three cheers for Fred Bronson!’ they called 
out, and thus he triumphed.” 


OUR BOY'S EXPERIMENT. 


161 


C&lkptef XXL 


OUR BOY’S EXPERIMENT. 



^arol&'s ©iarjj. 

'^ELL, mamma, you see I am a teacher, and 
this is how it came about : 

“ One of the teachers is sick, and the pro- 
fessor asked me to take charge of his class 
during his absence. 

“It was so unexpected that it quite took 
me by surprise, but as they were the youngest boys, 
and I would do auy thing to oblige the professor, I 
consented. 

“ They are a lively set of little fellows, and when 
I took my seat before them I saw that some of them 
meant fun. I put on no airs of dignity, but just met 
them as an older boy sent to take care of them. 

“I remember the professor’s ways, for they had 
been my study for a long time. He is always so nat- 
ural, and that is what I admire in our grand Pro- 
fessor Lennox. 

“ He studies boys more than books , and that is the 
reason of his success. 

“ Our first lesson was one of English history, but I 

soon saw that if Dobson remained in the class there 
1L 


162 


CROWN JEWELS. 


would be no order, for I knew that he was the ring- 
leader. 

“I reproved him once, not sharply, but the second 
time that he transgressed, I said quietly, but firmly, 
‘You can take your book, Dobson, and study by 
yourself.’ 

“I didn’t scold, mamma, for the professor never 
does that. 

“ Dobson looked rather sheepish, but he left the 
class, and we had some comfort. 

“The boys were much interested in the lesson, for 
it is my favorite branch, aud when they had finished 
their recitations I related some amusing incidents con- 
nected with the history of England in its early days. 

“ I saw that Dobson looked upon us quite wish- 
fully when he saw how eagerly the boys listened, and 
after a short time he came quite humbly, asking per- 
mission to return. 

“ ‘I shall be glad to have you among us, Dobson,’ 
I replied, ‘ but you must behave like a gentleman or 
you can ’t stay here ; we have no time to play ; that 
belongs to recess.’ 

“I saw that the boy was quite cowed, and we had 
a pleasant morning. 

“ Twice the professor passed by our class, and once 
he said, in a low tone : 

“ ‘You are doing admirably, Cuthbert, and have 
managed that boy just right.’ 

“ ‘I saw that he wanted to be noticed,’ I replied, 
‘ and so I put him aside.’ 


OUR BOY'S EXPERIMENT. 


163 


“ * That ’s just so/ he answered ; ‘ boys are very apt 
to consider themselves of some consequence, even if 
they raise a fuss; but to be quietly set aside brings 
them to their senses.’ 

“At recess I joined in the sports, and Dobson was 
delighted when he beat me at base-ball. 

“After recess we attended to mathematics — you 
know that I don’t care much for that study, but I 
never allow myself to take a low place, even if I 
don’t like it. The professor says that it is a good 
mental discipline, and I know it is, curbing the flights 
of fancy. 

“When the class was dismissed some of the boys 
came and said : 

“‘You’ll come to-morrow, Cuthbert; Professor 
Jones is such a dry stick, just keeping close to the 
text-book and never a word beyond.’ 

“Perhaps you remember little Nat Thurston, who 
was such a discouraging boy ; but the professor struck 
the spark in him, and now he is quite a respectable 
scholar. He was always a good boy, and I thought 
that there was nothing in him, but the professor knew 
better. 

“ I do hope that he will manage to make some- 
thing out of Gilbert, although he is still more discour- 
aging than ever Nat Thurston was. 

“ Fred’s noble conduct has had a most happy effect 
upon him. He is very cool to Jack Douglass, has 
given up his candies, and under Fred’s guidance is 
trying to do better. 


1G4 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Last evening a letter came announcing the de- 
parture of Henry Mifflin. He died so peacefully, 
resting only upon Jesus, so patient and submissive, 
for he had much to live for — a devoted mother, two 
lovely sisters, and every thing that wealth could give ; 
but he was more than willing to depart and be with 
Jesus. 

“I remember our last conversation on the night 
before he left school. 

'“I could not understand why he should be so 
deeply conscious of so many transgressions, for I have 
never seen any thing in Mifflin but a lovely Christian 
character. 

“When I expressed surprise he said so humbly: 

“ ‘ The outward life may all appear right to man, 
Harold, but it is to the heart that God looks, and 
that is the seat of many sins. When I see mine, I 
can truly say, Christ is all and in all ; he is my only 
hope/ 

“Then the professor puzzles me, too, for he also 
laments the sinfulness of his heart, and yet I see in 
his life the most beautiful of Christian traits. 

‘ ‘ He congratulated me warmly on my success with 
the boys, saying: 

“ ‘ You are a born teacher, Cuthbert.’ 

“ ‘I fear that such a choice would disappoint my 
father/ I replied, ‘for I think that he expects me to 
be his future partner in business/ 

“ ‘He is a sensible man/ was his reply, ‘and will 
not cross your inclinations. I have seen some sad 


OUR BOV’S EXPERIMENT . 


1G5 


results of such a course of parental authority. If I 
could only see you a true, heart-changed Christian, 
I should have such bright hopes of your usefulness.’ 

“ ‘It is my great desire to lead an upright and 
useful life,’ I answered; ‘what else do I need?* 

“‘I will reply to you in the words of our dear 
Lord to the young man in the Gospel, when speaking 
of himself just as you do,’ the professor said, “one 
thing thou lackest.” * 

“ ‘What is that one thing, professor?’ I asked. 

“ ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, 
and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ 

“I could not reply in the affirmative to that, and 
when I hear such a man as Professor Lennox confes- 
sing his sinfulness in the sight of a holy God I begin 
to think that I have a great lesson to learn yet. 

“Wilbur is doing splendidly ; his example so very 
sweet among the boys — so influential, and yet so mod- 
est, especially interested in Nat Thurston, who clings 
to him as his best friend. He is quite a pet with 
Mrs. Lennox, and you may be sure that he recipro- 
cates her kindness. 

“At the close of a week Professor Jones returned, 
and I was sorry to see that he was not very warmly 
greeted, and really I do not wonder, for he is so 
starched. But I was pleased when he praised the 
boys’ progress during his absence. 

“We often talk about the future, and the profes- 
sor says: 


166 


CROWN JE WELS. 


“ ‘Harold will be our professor, Wilbur our minis- 
ter,’ and, I added, ‘Allan our merchant;’ don’t you 
think so, dear mamma? 

This was such a pleasant message from our dear 
boy, and I begin to see that Providence points that 
way. 

Mike Sullivan holds on his ways, and often drops 
in to see us. 

The other day we were standing on the piazza, 
when Madge called out, “Look at Mike ! What is he 
doing ?” 

There he was, sure enough, plodding up the ave- 
nue, rolling a large pumpkin, and carrying a basket 
on his arm. 

Placing it on the piazza, he bobbed a bow to Mrs. 
Cuthbert, saying: 

“I have brought you my first pumpkin and three 
fresh squashes, all my own raising ; you ’re so good to 
my mother, that I said : ‘ Mrs. Cuthbert shall have the 
first; and I’m going to take the second to Fred Bron- 
son, for he’s my best friend.” 

I thanked him for the gift, and told him that he 
should have one of the pumpkin pies, adding, “I’m 
glad to hear such a good account of you, Mike, in 
helping your mother.” 

Then I told him to take them round to the kitchen, 
and saw that Jane gave him a good breakfast and 
filled his basket with groceries. 

He is a great comfort to his mother now, taking 


OUR BOY'S EXPERIMENT. 


167 


care of the garden-patch, affording them quite a help 
in providing for the family. 

Edward’s Bible class is flourishing, and its blessed 
effects are seen in the lives of many of its members. 

God be praised for all his goodness if “the Church 
in our house” has brought salvation to any of the 
wanderers. 


168 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Cllkptef XXII. 


OUR MORNING GLORY’S BIRTHDAY. 

S EVENTEEN yesterday, when we celebrated our 
Morning Glory’s birthday, inviting only our con- 


nections and a few intimate friends. 



The boys had dressed the parlor for the occa- 


sion, hanging a wreath of lovely flowers over 


® the door leading to the library, with the words, 
“ Our Morning Glory,” in shining gilt letters. 

Dressed in a French muslin, tastily made, with a 
few rose-buds in her beautiful hair, and a bunch in 
the bosom of her dress, I must be excused for writing 
that our darling looked lovely, her sweet modesty her 
chief attraction. 

It was a bright day, and the guests began to come 
in the morning, as some were from the city. 

Her gifts were beautiful, Edward presenting a 
parlor organ. Mary has a fine voice, and decided 
musical talent ; therefore, her father wishes her to 
cultivate these gifts. 

Mrs. Travers, Edward’s sister, and her daughter, 
Louise, had just returned from Europe, where they 
had been spending two years, the mother putting the 
finishing polish to her young daughter’s education, as 
she thought. 


OUR MORNING GLORY'S BIRTHDAY. 1G9 


Dressed in the height of Parisian fashions, I saw 
that Mary looked bewildered upon the young girl, 
when she rattled on about balls, operas, admirers, 
dress, and fashion; for Mary remembered that both 
Louise and her mother were professing Christians. 

Mrs. Travers presented Mary with a pretty box of 
Paris gloves; Uncle John Kingston, a Geneva watch; 
Sister Sophy, a handsome brooch for her hair; Har- 
old, a neat little writing-desk; Wilbur, a likeness of 
Harold and himself ; mamma, a box of fine handker- 
chiefs; Allan, a portfolio, and Madge a likeness of 
Lilly and myself; Sarah Bronson, a pretty work- 
basket ; and Fred, a gold pencil. 

Living out of town, fortunately we had no ac- 
quaintances among fashionable people — only Mrs. Car- 
ter, one of our neighbors, with whom we exchanged 
calls of ceremony; therefore, the extreme frivolity of 
her young cousin bewildered our innocent Morning 
Glory. 

Finding that Mary listened in silence, Louise ad- 
dressed her conversation to her personally. 

“ Have you never been to the opera?” she asked. 

Mary replied, innocently: 

“ Mamma never goes; and, of course, I should not 
wish to go anywhere that she disapproved of.” 

“Are you not fond of music?” she asked. 

“It is my chief pleasure,” Mary replied; “and I 
am very fond of some of the airs from operas. I 
think that they are charming.” 

“What harm does Aunt Julia see in the opera?” 


170 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ She thinks that the sentiments often sung by the 
performers are very shocking, and the worldliness en- 
couraged by attendance upon such amusements very 
unfriendly to real piety.” 

“Nonsense!” she said, with a toss of her pretty 
head. “I heard a very pious lady say once that she 
could pray as well at the opera as at church.” 

Mary opened her blue eyes wide, as she replied : 

“ Is that really so?” 

Louise burst out laughing, as she said : 

“What an innocent lamb it is! I suppose that 
you never go to balls, either?” 

“ No, Louise; I have never been to dancing-school, 
and I think that nothing could tempt me to join in 
the waltzing.” 

“ Why, what harm is there in waltzing?” 

“I do not think that it is delicate for a young 
lady to allow herself to be so familiarly held by a 
gentleman. Besides all this, I am a member of the 
Church, Louise.” 

“ What kind of a life do you lead, Mary?” she 
asked. 

“A very happy one, I can assure you, for I have 
no pleasure in such amusements. Doctor Crofton 
says that we should go nowhere, nor join in any rec- 
reations, where we could not expect to meet our 
Savior, and where we could not ask God’s blessing 
to go with us.” 

“Too humdrum for me,” was the answer; “I 
could never stand such a life as that. If you could 


OUR MORNING GLORY’S BIRTHDAY. 171 


only go to dear, delightful Paris, you would soon be 
cured of all that nonsense.” 

“ 1 hope, then, that I shall never go.” 

“ Poor little lamb,” she said, “how I pity you!” 

We were agreeably surprised by Percy’s arrival, 
for, although he knew of the birthday, we did not 
suppose that he would leave in the midst of the term. 

He congratulated Mary, with warm wishes for her 
happiness, as he handed her a music- box playing 
six tunes. 

Percy looked pale and careworn — I suppose from 
close application; and I asked him if he was not well, 
to which he replied : 

“ Rather overworked, I believe, and I feel the need 
of a few days’ rest.” 

“ We are so glad to have you with us,” I said. 

Mary and Percy were soon seated on the lounge, 
quite engrossed with each other, and I saw by their 
animated faces that they were very happy. 

“Who is that youth?” asked Mrs. Travers. 

“ Our minister’s son, Percy Crofton.” 

“A very attractive young man,” she replied. 

“And a most excellent one,” I answered. “ There 
are very few like Percy Crofton.” 

“ He seems quite devoted to Mary,” she continued. 

“They have been intimate all their lives,” I an- 
swered. 

“ But these are not childish days,” she hinted, with 
a meaning smile. 

“ I have no objection to the intimacy,” was my 


172 


CROWN JEWELS. 


reply; “for intercourse with such a character must 
be useful to any one.” 

“ Of course, he is one of the very pious ones,” she 
said, with a slight sneer. 

“He is a true, whole-hearted Christian, Ellen,” 
was my answer, “ but not of a kind that the world 
admires.” 

Percy was delighted with the organ, for he was a 
fine performer on the instrument, and was pleased to 
find that Mary was to take lessons. 

Invited to favor us with some music, he took his 
seat at the instrument, and, accompanying it with his 
voice, we had some charming sacred music, Mary 
joining with her lovely voice. 

“It is a fine instrument,” he said; and addressing 
Mary, he added, “We shall enjoy this at vacation, 
won’t we, Mary? But now we must have some of 
your airs on the piano.” 

She was not one who needed coaxing, but very 
cheerfully played in a fine style some of Mendels- 
sohn’s finest pieces. 

When Louise was asked to favor us she complianed 
of being out of practice; but receiving her apologies, 
we were entertained by some of her fashionable per- 
formance. She really had a fine voice, and if she had 
not been so affected would have been a pleasing per- 
former; but there were certain airs in her mode of 
sitting at the piano, and a lifting of her hands rather 
frantically, that spoiled all. 

Sarah Bronson was one of our most attractive 


OUR MORNING GLORY'S BIRTHDAY. 173 

guests; for though not a beauty, she was so natural, 
such a picture of perfect health and bright intelli- 
gence, that, dressed in a simple muslin that became 
her graceful figure, she was admired by every one. 

When we were called out to the supper-table, Har- 
old escorted Sarah, and Percy our Morning Glory. 

I had observed lately that Harold seemed drawn 
to this intelligent girl, whose practical good sense was 
often a check upon his enthusiasm, and I know that 
such a friend is of great value to our high-strung 
young gentleman. 

I could not be mistaken in my estimate of the ad- 
miring glances which Percy bent upon our Morning- 
Glory. And why should he not admire our darling 
girl? 

Mary, too, thought that there was no one in her 
world to be compared to Percy Crofton, and the at- 
tachment seemed to be growing so naturally that I 
just left all in the hands of our Heavenly Father, 
who, I trust, is leading us all, 

But Percy’s delicate look haunts me, for I fear 
that there is something of a serious character lurking 
there. 

He had only come for two days, but his parents 
persuaded him to stay longer, and he acknowledged 
that the rest was very necessary. 

In our private intercourse, I was much struck by 
the marks of spiritual growth so visible in Percy, who 
seemed to be panting after holiness, longing for that 
‘‘perfect love which casteth out fear.” 


174 


CROWN JEWELS . 


Mary, too, often spoke of the heavenly mind so 
apparent in all his conversation; for although it was 
not always about spiritual things, yet every subject 
which he touched seemed tinged with the holy at- 
mosphere' in which he lived, and it might be said of 
him, truly, that “out of the abundance of the heart 
the mouth speaketh.” 

He often spoke of the living power of the Savior's 
life, and said that he believed the prayerful study of 
the Gospels was a great means of grace to one seeking 
for holiness; for continually looking unto Jesus, we 
become like him. No doubt it is so; for if close 
commuuiou with human friends begets likeness, how 
much more, under the guidance of the Spirit, does 
such communion draw the same lineaments on the 
disciple who studies the Master closely? 

He stayed with us a week, and we w r ere truly 
sorry to say farewell; but he reminded us that vaca- 
tion would soon be here, and then he would be with 
us a long time, for he expected to graduate. 

Ellen wishes Mary to return with her, and I am 
making some preparation. She really does not care 
to go very much; but I think that she ought to ac- 
cept the invitation, for Edward’s sake. 

I know that our Morning Glory was about to enter 
upon new scenes, and when we were alone I dropped 
a few motherly hints. 

“You will be in a worldly atmosphere, my dear 
child, and will need heavenly wisdom to walk humbly 
and consistently. 


OUR MORNING GLORY’S BIRTHDAY. 175 

“If called upon to join in any amusements that 
your conscience condemns, be firm, my child; but be 
very careful not to parade your religiou, or condemn 
unkindly those who differ from us. 

“ Study the thirteenth chapter of Corinthians, 
and take it for your guide. See how exactly it meets 
your case : ‘ Charity vauntetli not itself, is not puffed 
up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her 
own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil/ 

“ Pray that this sweet spirit may be formed in your 
heart, and bring forth fruit in your daily life; but 
never forget that you profess to be a Christian, a fol- 
lower of the blessed Savior.” 

She thanked me sweetly, and said : 

“I know that you will pray for me, dearest 
mamma.” 

“We shall polish up our Morning Glory,” said 
Ellen; but I must say that I don’t very much admire 
her ideas of polish, but I can trust Mary. 

After Percy’s departure Mary seemed very silent, 
and Louise undertook to banter her. 

“Disconsolate, Mary?” she asked. “I don’t won- 
der, for I admire your beau.” 

“ Please do not apply such a pitiful title to one 
like Percy Crofton. Do not forget that he is to be a 
minister of the Lord Jesus, Louise; and that light 
name quite shocks me.” 

“ Well, what do you call him, Mary?” 

“ A very dear friend, with whom I have played 


176 


CROWN JEWELS. 


and studied, and gone to the same Church aud Sun- 
day-school ever since we were children ; and what 
makes our friendship more sacred is the fact that we 
joined the Church on the same day.” 

I was so pleased to hear such sensible remarks, so 
unlike young girls generally. 

They are all gone, and we miss our Morning Glory; 
but at the close of a week a letter arrived from the 
dear girl, which I copy below: 

“Dearest Mamma, — Aunt Ellen is very kind, 
and Louise tries to make my visit pleasant, but I 
find that what you told me is only too true. 

“Visiting, shopping, living for pleasure, we are in 
a constant bustle; and that, you know, is not favora- 
ble to heart communion with God. 

“For courtesy’s sake, I feel under obligations to 
accept some invitations that come daily, but I have 
always been excused to dancing parties. 

“ Late hours, late breakfasts, lounging about all 
the morning, — it does seem like a very empty way of 
spending the few days of our mortal life, and I shall 
be so glad to return to the sweet domestic life at 
Shadyside. 

“ When Louise has evening company, I always do 
my part towards entertaining the guests by my very 
best performance on the piano, and I am glad when it 
pleases the company. 

“The other day, Aunt Ellen took me out to get a 


OUR MORNING GLORY’S BIRTHDAY. 177 


new hat, saying that mine was so old-fashioned. I let 
her choose the shape, but I could not consent to the 
flashy trimmings; hut it is really a very pretty hat, 
and I know that you will like it. 

‘ ‘ The Church that we attend is very fashionable, 
the music of the operatic style, and the ladies so 
over-dressed. 

‘ ‘ What would I give for one of dear Doctor Crof- 
ton’s sermons, so full of Christ ! but here it is all so 
different. 

“But it has been a useful visit, showing me the 
vanity of fashionable life, and exalting my ideas ot 
true spiritual piety. 

“We never hear a word about holy things; no 
family prayer, no — . But I must stop, for fear that I 
am trespassing upon the sweet spirit of charity that 
you commended. 

“ I know, dear mamma, that I am far short of 
what I ought to be; and it ill becomes one so faulty 
herself to condemn others. 

“ Aunt Ellen often calls me a little Methodist, and 
says that it is such a pity that my mother has spoiled 
her daughter; but I shall always thank my Heavenly 
Father for having given me such dear parents. 

“ I have had a charming letter from Percy, so full 
of heavenly breathings, and yet so humble. I wish 
that I was like him, for I see that he is a reflected 
image of the dear Master. He is looking forward to 
vacation with so much pleasure; for he says that then 
we can see each other daily. Won’t that be delightful? 

12 


178 


CROWN JEWELS. 


1 ‘ I have had a letter from Harold, too, saying that 
Professor Lennox has been elected president of a flour- 
ishing college in New York State, but will not enter 
upon his duties until the Fall term. I can imagine 
what a grand president he will make. 

“As Harold will graduate this term, he will not 
be a member of the college; but Fred has another 
year to finish his course, and Wilbur two. 

“Harold will continue his studies at home, the 
course being marked out for him by the professor. 

“I think that I see some reason for that; don’t 
you, dear mamma? 

‘ ‘ I should n’t be surprised to hear of our Harold 
filling one of the chairs there one of these days. He 
will never be any thing but a teacher — we are sure 
of that. 

“With warmest love to all the dear ones, and a 
dozen kisses for darling Lilly, I am your loving 
daughter, Mary.” 


HAPPY DAYS. 


179 


Cl^ptef XXIII. 



HAPPY DAYS. 

1a ARY has been absent for several weeks, but we 
are expecting her return this afternoon, and 
Jane is going to welcome her with the nicest 
supper that her skill can prepare. 

L We are all on the tip-toe, for absence left a 

® great blank. 

Madge is gathering up her books to show sister 
how well she has done. Allan, too, has a good ac- 
count, and Lilly is dancing about in the fullness of her 
joy, all on the lookout for the arrival of our Morning 
Glory. 

“There she comes, Madge,” cried Allan. “Let’s 
go help her with her baggage.” 

Away they flew, Allan seizing her satchel, Madge 
a package wrapped in paper, and little Lilly trotting 
ofl to meet sister. 

A sweet kissing time there was on the piazza, and 
I said : 

“We’re all so glad to see you, Mary, but you 
look tired, dear; now run up stairs and refresh your- 
self a little, for papa is coming home for an early 
supper.” 

It was a happy company that met at the supper- 


180 


CROWN JEWELS. 


table, where Jane had spread a dainty repast, and 
Madge had graced the table with a bunch of lovely 
flowers. 

Of course, the young folks had many questions to 
ask, and in their excited state scarcely gave time for 
answers. 

After supper Mary opened her bundle, and plac- 
ing a pretty doll in a little wagon she drew it across 
the carpet, Lilly calling out: 

“I know that’s mine, sister.” 

“Yes, darling,” she replied; “now give me a sweet 
kiss, and then run off with your pet.” 

She did not need a second bidding, and drawing 
her wagon she said : 

“I name my baby Dolly.” 

And off she rau with her treasure. 

Then Mary brought out a beautiful book for Madge 
and a gold pencil for Allan. 

Then I told the news. Our boys are coming in a 
few days, and Percy soon after, both Harold and he 
among the graduates. 

Mrs. Crofton is fitting up a study for Percy, but 
he knows nothing about it. 

“ I think that I shall have something to do for 
that,” said our Morning Glory. “You know that I % 
have been working a pair of slippers for him, which I 
have had made up, and in my leisure moments I have 
worked a motto with the words ‘ Welcome Home/ 
which I have had handsomely framed. I am so glad 
that they are finished.” 


HAPPY DAYS. 


181 


I showed her an afglian and a pillow which I had 
made for his lounge, and Madge, too, had made a 
pretty pen-wiper. When the room was entirely fin- 
ished Mrs. Crofton sent for us to come over and see it. 

We took our gifts with us, and could easily imagine 
Percy's surprise when he should see his beautiful 
study. Covered with a greeu carpet, with a pretty 
secretary, book-case, lounge, writing, and easy-chair, 
it was indeed a charming room for the young stu- 
dent. Over the secretary hung my motto, “Welcome 
Home,” on the wall a neat little clock and the like- 
ness of father and mother. On the back of his chair 
hung a gray wrapper made by Mrs. Crofton, and on 
the carpet by the lounge lay Mary's slippers; my 
afglian and pillow looked so restful and pretty spread 
out upon the lounge. 

“Won’t Percy be surprised?” asked Mary. 

“He deserves it all,” answered his mother, “for 
he is a precious son.” 

“It is a charming room,” I said, “but Percy must 
not spend too much time here, Mrs. Crofton, for he is 
looking pale and careworn.” 

“That is just what we intend,” was the answer; 
“he must have plenty of out-door exercise, and I 
mean to give him the care of my flower-garden and 
vegetable-patch; that will oblige him to spend the 
early hours of the day out of doors.” 

The boys are here, Harold having graduated with 
high honors. He has grown rapidly during the past 


182 


CROWN JEWELS. 


year, and is a noble looking youth; Wilbur his own 
dear self, but of a much more slender make than his 
brother. 

All my crown jewels at home, and are we not a 
happy family, — all of us so much to tell, so many 
mercies to recount? Dear Wilbur had so much to 
tell of Harold’s triumphs, saying with such a beaming 
face that “ no one could compare with him excepting 
Fred,” especially in the field of literature. He gave 
a sparkling account of Fred’s splendid delivery of the 
valedictory, saying that “it was received with much 
applause.” 

He told an amusing story, too, of the way in which 
the boys sang the college songs at the close, but they 
had fine music provided by the professor. He was 
much surprised by the parting gift of the boys as a 
testimonial of their affection and respect. 

There were three pieces — a silver pitcher and two 
goblets — marked with his name as their gift. 

Harold made an eloquent speech on presenting the 
gift, and the professor responded in his own happy 
style, saying that he “hoped to see some of them at 
the college in the Autumn, and that he should always 
remember with warmest love the happy days at Court- 
land Institute.” 

When we were alone Harold gave a glowing ac- 
count of Wilbur’s course at school, saying that the 
boys called him “ the little parson,” not in ridicule by 
any means, although there were a few mean spirits 
who styled him “goody-goody.” 


HAPPY DAYS.. 


183 


Wilbur was not affected by these slurs, but just 
kept on his quiet, Christian way, “and you may be 
sure, mamma,” Harold said, “that he really had the 
respect of all.” 

Then Harold showed me a handsome gold pencil 
with a seal at one end, saying, “That is Gilbert’s 
gift,” handing me at the same time a note, which I 
copy below: 

“Dear Harold, — I write these few parting lines 
to acknowledge all your kind forbearance towards me, 
notwithstanding so many provocations, for you and 
Fred made me heartily ashamed of my conduct. I 
didn’t deserve two such frieuds. 

“If you had pursued a revengeful course, as many 
boys would have done, it w T ould have hardened me; 
but now I thank you for the many hints concerning 
my course in school, and can assure you that they are 
not forgotten and that I am trying to profit by them ; 
but it is a hard task to break up bad habits. With 
grateful wishes for your health and happiness, I beg 
your acceptance of the pencil sent as a small testi- 
monial of my respect and affection, hoping also that 
you will sometimes drop me a few lines of friendly 
counsel. Yours truly, 

Gilbert,” 

These were my sweet accounts from my two dear 
boys, and I thanked God and took courage. 

In the evening Harold hurried over to the Brom 


184 


CROWN JEWELS. 


sods, for I know that his warm young heart is send- 
ing out its tendrils to one of the inmates. 

Sarah is a decided Christian, and I rejoice to see 
that she tries to exercise a religious influence over our 
bright boy. 

On the following day Percy arrived, our whole 
band now complete. 

We were invited over to see his introduction to his 
study. We could scarcely say which feeling predom- 
inated — admiration or grateful love — but I think the 
latter, as he said : 

“Take care, dear friends, that you don’t spoil me 
by this lavish goodness.” 

Then he was told whose hands helped to furnish 
the lovely room. 

Glancing with a smile at the lounge, he said: 

“Isn’t that a temptation to be lazy?” 

“By no means, Percy,” I replied; “it is only 
meant as a hint to seek needful rest when you are 
weary.” 

“And these pretty slippers! I think I know whose 
little hands worked them,” he said, glancing at Mary. 

Percy is so bright and happy, and our dear little 
Lilly seems to claim him as her chief play-fellow, for 
he is always ready to sing Mother Goose’s ditties for 
the child. 

She, too, had learned parts of several, which she 
lisped so sweetly with her bird-like voice, which he 
generally rewarded with a bonbon. 

After being at home a few days Percy had laid 


HAPPY DA YS. 


185 


down his plans for daily life. Early in the morning, 
out in the garden, he busied himself about the flowers 
and vegetables, then three hours study. After dinner 
walks of pleasure or usefulness, joined generally by 
our Morning Glory as his companion. I know that 
he needs this recreation, for he is by no means strong, 
and looks delicate yet. 

Mary had engaged a teacher of music to come out 
twice a week, and Professor Leibert gave his first 
lessons yesterday to Mary on the organ, and to Madge 
on the piano. 

Percy is a help to her, for, being a fine musician, 
his hints are very useful, and she practices with him. 
It is so pleasant to see how happy these young crea- 
tures are, for after dinner she, with her basket of 
flowers, and he with his vegetables and tracts, are ofi 
to Cowslip Lane, where a number of poor families 
belonging to the factory live, and these visits are so 
frequent that the little children have learned to look 
for them, and hail their coming with — 

“Here comes the lady!” 

Percy’s flowers are flourishing, and he is always 
provided with some for the sick, or with vegetables 
for the needy. 

Mrs. Weston and little Johnny Kawle are often 
cheered by these visits, and old Daniel Harper, who 
is bed-ridden, has learned to look for them every few 
days. 

Mary often tells me how sweetly Percy speaks to 
them of the dear Savior, how his presence lights up 


186 


CROWN JEWELS. 


tho sick-chamber, and "how be sings the Gospel, never 
leaving without a few words of earnest prayer. 

Sometimes I see them returning, hand in hand, 
skipping up the avenue with the light-heartedness of 
two children, Percy’s dog, Fritz, gamboling around 
their feet, for he is never left behind. 

Bright, happy days are these for the young dream- 
ers, for it may well be seen that they are such. Mary 
sometimes drops a few words, revealing her bright 
thoughts almost unconsciously, for my child has no 
concealments from her mother. 

Our Sundays are so happy, all our crown jewels at 
Church with us in the family pew, excepting Lilly, 
who is too young for such long restraint. We have 
some nice fruit and sponge-cake in the afternoon, 
spread upon our sitting-room table, and Percy often 
steps over to join our family circle, where we enjoy 
his heart-stirring music. 

When I listen to his expressive hymns I do not 
wonder at the solemn effects produced by the sweet 
ministry of song. 

Last Sunday he sang one of his favorites — 

“ I have a Savior, he ’s pleading in glory, 

A dear, loving Savior, though earth-friends be few ; 

And now he is watching in tenderness o’er me, 

And 0 that my Savior were your Savior too. 

CHORUS. 

For you I am praying, 

For you I am praying, 

For you I am praying, 

I ’m praying for you. 


HAPPY DAYS. 


187 


I have a father ; to me he has given 
A hope for eternity, blessed and true ; 

And soon will he call me to meet him in heaven, 

But 0 that he ’d let me bring you with me too. 

I have a robe ; ’t is resplendent in whiteness, 
Awaiting in glory my wondering view ; 

0 when I receive it, all shining in brightness, 

Dear friend, could I see you receiving one too! 

1 have a peace ; it is calm as a river, 

A peace that the friends of this world never knew ; 

My Savior alone is its author and giver, 

And 0 could I know it was given to you!” 

When he sang, “ For you I am praying,” I knew 
who was on his heart, and I am sure that Harold felt 
it too, for when Percy closed the organ a silence had 
fallen upon all of us, and I saw Percy throw his arm 
around Harold as they passed out of the room, and I 
heard him sing in a low, sweet voice: 

“For you I am praying.” 

They are warmly attached, and I am not afraid 
that Percy will be too pressing with our dear, proud 
boy. 

Several times I have seen them walking together 
in earnest talk, and I pray that God would bless them 
both. 

Last evening I had a long talk with dear Wilbur, 
and I find that what has heretofore seemed only a 
wish concerning his future is now a real consecration 
of himself to the service of his Master in the work of 
the ministry. 

“I feel my own insufficiency,” he said, “dear 


188 


CROWN JEWELS. 


mamma, “but I believe that the Lord has called me, 
and will be mouth and wisdom for his child.” 

We talked, too, about Harold, and Wilbur said 
that he believed his brother was often the subject of 
deep impressions, but it will be a hard task to give 
up all trust in human merit; still I believe that it will 
come at last, and when it does it will be a complete 
surrender.” 

Last evening we were all in the sitting-room talk- 
ing about the future of our boys when Percy opened 
the organ and sang: 

“0 what are you going to do, brother? 

Say, what are you going to do ? 

You have thought of some useful labor, 

But what is the end in view ? 

You are fresh from the home of your boyhood, 
And just in the bloom of youth. 

Have you tasted the sparkling water 
That flows from the fount of truth ? 

CHORUS. 

Is your heart in the Savior’s keeping? 

Eemember, he died for you. 

Then, what are you going to do, brother? 

Say, what are you going to do ?” 

When he had finished, he said feelingly: 

“ That’s a question for all of us. Would n’t it be a 
blessed thing if each of us would answer: ‘I am going 
to serve the Master who died for me,’” and then he sang : 

“ Knocking, knocking, who is there ? 

Waiting, waiting, O how fair ; 

’T is a pilgrim, strange and kingly, 


HAPPY DA YS. 


189 


Never such was seen before. 

Ah ! my soul, for such a wonder, 

Wilt thou not undo the door ? 

Knocking, knocking, still he ’s there, 

Waiting, waiting, wondrous fair; 

But the door is hard to open 
For the weeds and ivy- vine, 

With their dark and clinging tendrils, 

Ever round the hinges twine. 

Knocking, knocking, what, still there? 

Waiting, waiting, grand and fair. 

Yes, the pierced hand still knocketh, 

And beneath the crowned hair 
Beam the patient eyes, so tender, 

Of thy Savior waiting there.” 

It made a deep impression, and this is the way 
that Percy sings the Gospel calls. 


190 


CROWN JEWELS. 


C^hptef XXIV. 


"YOUNG DREAMERS. 


^w^ARY had gone over to see Percy’s garden, for 
was vei T P r0U( ^ °f hi s success, and we all 




fc-» ing to his complexion. 


On her way home, they stopped to rest 


® awhile under the shade of the trees in the 
avenue, and I saw how earnestly the two were talk- 
ing, quite oblivious of the one that was watching 
them, remembering her own young days when she 
looked at these dreamers. 

They walked slowly to the house, and, as Mary 
had some household duties to attend to, Percy and I 
took our seats on the piazza; for it was one of the 
brightest of Summer days, when the sweet birds car- 
olled their morning song among the fragrant vines 
that shaded the piazza. 

“ Do you know what a dreamer Mary has become?” 
he asked, and then he told a little of her misty 
pictures. 

“ She has a shadowy world of her own, in which 
she spends much time — a home somewhere, where she 
can help some one in the sweet and holy cares of a 


Christian life.” 


YOUNG DREAMERS. 


191 


“ She has that here, Percy, I think,” was my reply. 

He colored a little, as he answered : 

“A more tender companionship, I think, is among 
her visions. I have my dreams, too, of a church in a 
country parish, with a neat little parsonage, and our 
Morning Glory as its mistress. Can my dream be 
realized?” he asked, with an eager, wistful look. 

“ I have not one word to say against such a fulfill- 
ment of your dreams, Percy,” I answered; “but you 
are both very young to think of any thing so serious.” 

“Not too young to love each other with a pure 
and holy affection,” he answered. “ We only want to 
know if Mary’s parents approve of our wishes for the 
future.” 

Then we talked about it more particularly; but it 
was no news to me, for I had seen the attachment for 
some time. 

When Mary joined us, I saw by her manner that 
she had divined the subject of our conversation; for, 
much confused, she was hurrying away to hide her 
blushes. 

“Not so fast, Mary,” he said. And then he told 
of what had passed between us; and I read in the 
glowing cheek and downcast eyes how happy she 
seemed in the hope of a sweet dream to be fulfilled 
some of these days. 

Blessed, hopeful youth, that sees no shadows yet 
on the journey of life — nothing but the bright pros- 
pect of days spent together in the service of the dear 
Master whom they loved so truly. 


192 


CROWN JEWELS. 


After Percy had placed the ring of betrothal on 
Mary’s finger, I said, “And so I bless my children,” 
as I folded their hands together. 

As Percy passed into the hall, there lay Fritz, 
close to the door of the room, which was open. I 
wonder if he heard, for he is a knowing dog. 

Mary knew his weakness for loaf-sugar; and, hand- 
ing him his lump, he bade good morning, and scam- 
pered after his master. 

Ever after that day, Fritz made regularly his 
morning call after breakfast upon Mary, taking no 
notice of any one else. I wonder if it was a knowing 
respect for his master’s intended, or love for the sugar- 
lump, that brought him over every morning. 

Mary sometimes teased him a little, by tantalizing 
the poor fellow. 

Seated upon his hind legs, he would beg so piti- 
fully for the lump that Mary held for one moment in 
her hand, raising a warning finger, with the words, 
“Don’t touch,” as she laid it on the carpet; and 
there it lay, undisturbed, until, wearied with waiting, 
his eyes watering, he would touch her lap with his 
paw. And when she said, “ You may have it now, 
Fritz,” it was most amusing to see how eagerly he 
snatched the lump. 

Edward agreed with me perfectly; for he said that 
- he knew of no one with whom he could trust our dear 
Morning Glory so cheerfully as Percy Crofton. 

Next day, the parents came over to Shadyside to 
express their warm approval, for they dearly love our 


YOUNG DREAMERS. 


193 


Morning Glory ; and so we feel our families united by 
a very sacred and tender bond. 

It is, indeed, a holy tie which unites these two 
young hearts, devoted to the same Savior, having 
the same hopes of a blessed hereafter. 

They are studying the Gospels together; for both 
are seeking for “ that holiness without which no man 
shall see the Lord.” 

It is a pleasant picture in the library every after- 
noon; for when they return from their walks, with 
their Bible and Concordance, they sit there so en- 
grossed with their heavenly study, whose fruits are 
seen in the reflection of the blessed image of their 
Master in their own young lives. 

Percy’s light shines in many ways. Indeed, how 
can it be otherwise, when there is an indwelling Christ 
in the heart? 

The superintendent of the Sunday-school has been 
obliged to resign on account of failing health, and 
Percy was elected to fill his place — the very person to 
lead young hearts to Jesus; for that dear name is the 
beginning and ending of all his works of love. 

I heard one of his addresses last Sunday. It was 
full of love and light, for it was full of truth. 

With a glowing face aud a fine voice, with such a 
fund of illustrations from which to draw his lessons, 
he is indeed a blessed teacher. 

At the close of one of these addresses he said : 

“People talk to you about being good children, 
and so you ought to be, but would you know how? 

I O 

o 


194 


CROWN JEWELS. 


You must go directly to Jesus, the great healer of 
bodily diseases; for we read that multitudes followed 
him, and he had compassion upon them, and healed 
them all, never turning any away. 

“ Now, just so, dear children, you must go to him, 
to have your sins pardoned and your hearts made 
holy ; for it is with the heart that we believe, it is the 
heart that he wants, it is your love he wants. For he 
loves you, every one of you; and do you suppose that 
he is less willing or able to cure the soul than to heal 
the body? for that is what he taught by his miracles. 

“Then go to him, every day, every hour, and 
never rest until you are made the dear children of 
God.” 

Then he told some sweet stories about holy men 
and women, who learned to love Him when they were 
children. “And that,” said he, in conclusion, “is 
what I want you to do now, this very day, with all 
your hearts.” 

They listened with the deepest interest; and I have 
never heard an address to children so eloquent, so im- 
pressive, and yet so simple, so full of the love of 
Jesus, as that which fell from Percy Crofton’s lips. 
May God bless the dear youth in his labors among 
the young! 

Mary and Sarah Bronson are faithful teachers in 
the Sunday-school, their efforts blessed abundantly 
among the children. 

Percy improves daily in health and spirits; and in 
his own humble, Christ-like way, his influence is felt 


YOUNG DREAMERS. 


195 


wherever his presence is seen, and his bright example 
is indeed a holy light to our Morning Glory. 

She is dreaming still; and sometimes I steal in 
upon her retired hours, and find her busy with sundry 
little articles of taste, pretty mats and tidies, and 
those nameless adornments that we all like to see in 
our homes. 

I know that she has made quite a goodly number, 
but I don’t see them in her room; and I said, the 
other day: 

“ What in the world are you going to do with so 
many of these pretty things, Mary?” 

She blushed at my question, and, smiling, replied: 

“I am dreaming of the little parsonage, mamma, 
and I thought that I might as well make some orna- 
ments for our home. I -want it to be just as nice and 
pretty as ever I can make it. 

‘‘My sitting-room will be next to Percy’s study; 
and I am making these tidies for the chairs, and the 
mats for the vases that will be scattered about. 

“ I am going to make some larger mats for the 
study, too, and some beautiful mottoes; and I know 
that Percy will be pleased with them, for he has fine 
taste.” 

I could not help smiling at the young dreamer, 
who, no doubt, sees the pretty parsonage in her daily 
visions. 

“ Do you suppose that Percy would like to have 
you so close to his study?” I asked; “for with Morn- 


196 


CROWN JEWELS. 


ing Glory so near, I am afraid that one or the other 
might be coming in rather too often.” 

“O mamma,” she said, “I wouldn’t disturb him, 
on any account. I will just step in with a nice lunch 
at eleven o’clock. We will dine at one, and then 
we ’ll take a walk or a ride ; for Percy will have a 
horse and carriage, I know. Won’t it be blessed, 
mamma, to feel that we are both serving the same 
dear Master, and pressing on towards the same 
heavenly home?” 

And so she dreams, as others have done before; 
but we must learn to leave our future all in the hands 
of the dear Heavenly Father, who knows, even now, 
whether our Morning Glory will ever dwell in such a 
sweet, peaceful home here below. 

Edward has been very closely confined to business, 
and we are going to have a little recreation for his 
sake, taking an excursion up the creek to the falls, 
where there is good fishing, and a fish-house for 
visitors. 

We shall take two boats, for the Croftons and the 
Bronsons will accompany us. Fritz, of course, goes too. 

We had a charming day, all in fine spirits ; for, 
bent upon making it a pleasant time, we all tried to 
consider each other’s comfort. 

It was about four miles distant, and our trip up 
the stream was lovely, for the scenery was attractive, 
the creek bordered on each side by drooping bushes 
that cast their shadows on the clear water. 


YOUNG DREAMERS. 


197 


AVe had some sweet music, too; for Percy started the 
little boat song, in which all the young folks joined: 

“ Row the boat, row the boat, 

We are merry as we row ; 

Row the boat, row the boat, 

Singing as we go. 

Row the boat, row the boat, 

None so happy now as we ; 

Row the boat, row the boat — 

0 lor the bounding sea!” 

It was a fine day for-dishing; and the woman in 
charge of the fish-house cooked our mess for us, and 
with the basket packed by Jane, and the two brought 
by Mrs. Crofton and Mrs. Bronson, we had a very 
nice meal. 

Wandering about among the hills, we scarcely 
knew how fast the time passed; but the setting sun 
warned us, at last, that it was time to return, singing, 
as we rowed homeward : 

“Softly now the light of day 
Fades upon my sight away; 

Free from care, from labor free, 

Lord, I would commune with thee. 

Thou, whose all-pervading eye 
Naught escapes, without, within, 

Pardon each infirmity, 

Open fault and secret sin. 

Soon, for me, the light of day 
Shall forever pass away; 

Then, from sin and sorrow free, 

Take me, Lord, to dwell with thee.” 


198 


CROWN JEWELS. 


C^hptef XXV. 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD’S FUTURE. 


ft? AROLD is so depressed, not at all like his 
bright self, avoiding society, neglecting his 
studies, walking out by himself, spending his 
evenings generally in his own room. 

If conversation takes a serious turn he leaves 
the room, especially when Percy plays his 
sweet hymns. 

Last evening he sang several, but when he com- 
menced — 


“ The Spirit in our hearts 
Is whispering, Sinner, come,” 


I saw that Harold was agitated, and at the second 
verse he was gone. He does not generally withhold 
his confidence from me, but, whatever is the trouble, 
he is silent now, and sometimes irritable. 

I went over to Sarah Bronson to talk with her 
about the change, but she told me that he avoids con- 
versation, adding: 

“ I think that it is a wounded spirit, for I believe 
that the Spirit of God is striving with Harold, and 
that he is passing through great conflicts; but we had 
better not force the subject; he will come to us when 
he is ready.” 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD'S FUTURE. 199 

And so Percy thinks, saying earnestly, “Let us 
pray for him, dear friend.” 

Doctor Crofton has been very earnest lately in his 
preaching; indeed, he is always faithful; but now he 
is more solemn, more personal. 

Last Sunday he preached from the text, “The 
Master is come, and calleth for thee.” 

I saw that Harold was deeply affected, for he sat 
with a bowed head all the time, and once I thought 
that I saw a tear on his troubled face. 

I was quite agreeably surprised to see him at the 
evening lecture, for he does not usually attend. 

The doctor preached from the text, “Quench not 
the Spirit,” a most solemn and impressive lecture, 
where he gave some touching incidents of cases in his 
own ministry. We sang the sweet hymn: 

“Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 

With all thy quickening powers ; 

Kindle a flame of sacred love 
In these cold hearts of ours. 

See how we grovel here below, 

Fond of those earthly toys ; 

Our souls, how heavily they go, 

To reach eternal joys. 

In vain we tune our lifeless songs, 

In vain we strive to rise ; 

Hosannas languish on our tongues, 

And our devotion dies. 

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 

With all thy quickening powers; 

Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love, 

And that shall kindle ours.” 


200 


CROWN JEWELS. 


I think the Spirit is working on Harold’s heart; 
for, although we walked home together, not a word 
was spoken, and he went immediately to his room. 

It was a beautiful moonlight last evening, and 
missing Harold from the parlor, I heard him pacing 
up and down on the piazza. 

Percy heard him, too, and left the room. I saw 
him join Harold in his walk, and they they took a 
seat on the piazza. 

I saw through the window that the talk was earn- 
est and solemn, and I hoped that the silence was 
broken at last. 

Returning to the parlor, Percy opened the organ 
and sang: 

“ Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, 

Weak and wounded, sick and sore; 

Jesus ready stands to save you, 

Full of pity, love r and power; 

He is able, 

He is willing, doubt no more. 

Now ye needy, come and welcome, 

God’s free bounty glorify ; 

True belief and true repentance, 

Every grace that brings you nigh, 

Without money 
Come to Jesus Christ and buy. 

Let not conscience make you linger, 

Nor of fitness fondly dream ; 

All the fitness he requireth 
Is to feel your need of him ; 

This he gives you, 

’T is the Spirit’s glimm’ring beam. 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD'S FUTURE . 201 


Come, ye weary, heavy-laden, 

Bruised and mangled by the fall, 

If you tarry till you ’re better, 

You will never come at all ; 

Not the righteous, — 

Sinners Jesus came to call.” 

Harold sat with his head bowed during the singing 
of the hymn, and ere he left the room he said, in a 
low voice : 

“Pray for me, dearest mamma, for my heart is 
heavy.” 

I could not stay away from Plarold, and in a few 
minutes followed him to his room. When I knocked 
at his door he called out : 

“Who is there?” 

And I answered, “It is mamma, Harold.” 

“Come in, dear,” he replied. 

When I opened the door Harold was sitting at the 
table reading his Bible. 

“You are troubled, my son,” I said. 

“Yes, mamma,” was his answer, “but please do 
not talk to me just now; this is my counselor,” touch- 
ing his Bible. 

I pressed a mother’s kiss upon his forehead, with 
the words: 

“God bless my dear son; may his Holy Spirit he 
present with his Word. ” 

And then I left him alone with Jesus, I have no 
doubt. 

Next day he seemed brighter and did not avoid us 
as before, and enjoyed the sweet hymns Percy sang. 


202 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Now, mamma,” he said, “come to my room; I 
have so much to say.” 

Seated there together, Harold poured out his heart. 

“ You know, dear mamma, what a proud, self- 
righteous sinner I have been ; but such hopes are 
gone; aqd would you know what has touched me so 
deeply? You remember the night when Percy sang 
the hymn “ I am praying for you.” I thought if these 
dear friends are all praying for me there must be 
something wrong, and I prayed for light. The words 
of the hymn followed me day and night; I could not 
forget them. I read my Bible with prayer, and there 
I found that morality is not religion, and that it is by 
our riding motives God tries our actions. 

“When I saw how the Bible searched the heart I 
realized that I was a sinner ; but my corrupt heart 
rose up in arms against this humbling conviction. I 
can not describe all my conflicts, all my doubts, for I 
have doubted every thing; but last night when Percy 
sang the sweet hymn about the love of Jesus for guilty 
sinners, my proud heart was melted, and I bowed 
down in deep humility at his blessed feet, and now, 
dear mamma, I can sing, ‘ None but Jesus can do 
helpless sinners good.’ I see now I have slighted his 
love, but as a lost and helpless sinner, I have fled to 
the cross.” 

I threw my arm around my son, and with a full 
heart I said: 

“ Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within 
me ; bless his holy name.” 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD’S FUTURE. 203 


Pressing a kiss on his cheek, I added : 

“Not only my child, but my brother now, my 
brother in the Lord.” 

Another crown jewel gathered for my Savior’s 
crown! What shall I render unto the Lord for all 
his mercies? 

Harold’s conversion is a complete surrender of 
heart and soul to the dear Master’s service. I always 
said that it would be so, for he is whole-hearted in all 
that he does. 

It is so manifest in his daily life, so emptied of 
self-reliance, so humble, so trusting, so loving. 

Last evening I saw him on the piazza with his arm 
around Percy’s waist, and I know that he was telling 
the same story to his friend. 

When they returned to the parlor Percy opened 
the organ, and we sang together the sw T eet hymn of 
Christian love, Fred and Sarah joining with us: 

11 Blest be the tie that binds 
Our hearts in Christian love ; 

The fellowship of kindred minds 
Is like to that above. 

Before our Father’s throne 
We pour our ardent prayers; 

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 

Our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 

Our mutual burdens bear; 

And often for each other flows 
The sympathizing tear. 


204 


CROWN JEWELS. 


When we asunder part 
It gives us inward pain, 

But we shall still be joined in heart, 

And hope to meet again.” 

Truly Percy’s hymns are sweet Gospel messages of 
love to the family at Shadyside; for they first awak- 
ened Harold’s heart to a sense of need, and now they 
sing of Harold’s hopes. 

Was not dear Edward a happy father when we 
could say that there is one of our crown jewels safe in 
heaven, and three on the way ? I have no doubt 
that all will be gathered home at last, for Madge ex- 
hibits signs of the Spirit’s teaching, and although 
Allan is not so hopeful, I believe in the power of 
prayer. 

Harold wants to be at work for the dear Savior, 
and he says: 

“Just think that I have never done any thing for 
Jesus, who has done so much for me ; give me any 
thing, however humble, Percy.” 

And with the humility of a child we see Harold 
teaching a class of little boys. Always able to teach 
the letter of the Gospel, he is now prepared to impart 
its spirit. 

When I passed his class in the Sunday-school he 
said, smiling: 

“I don’t know much yet, dear mamma, but I’ll 
do my best, looking unto Jesus.” 

Last Sunday we all surrounded the table of the 
Lord, a blessed, happy family of loving disciples. 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD'S FUTURE. 205 

May we all meet at the marriage-supper of the Lamb 
in heaven! O how earnestly I prayed that God would 
bless my crown jewels and lead them safely home. 
It was with glowing hearts that we sang: 

“Alas! and did my Savior bleed? 

And did my Sovereign die ? 

Would he devote that sacred head 
For such a worm as I ? 

Was it for crimes that I have done, 

He groaned upon the tree ? 

Amazing pity ! grace unknown ! 

And love beyond degree ! 

Well might the sun in darkness hide, 

And shut his glories in, 

When Christ, the mighty Maker, died, 

For man, the creature’s sin. 

Thus might I bide my blushing face, 

While his dear cross appears ; 

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, 

And melt mine eyes to tears. 

But drops of grief can ne’er repay 
The debt of love I owe ; 

Here, Lord, I give myself away, 

’Tis all that I can do.” 

Madge came to me in the evening, saying: 

“I wish that I could have been with you, dear 
mamma; I think that I love my Savior, aud do want 
to be his child.” 

No doubt she will follow in the train that is 
marching on. 

Sarah is so happy to see Harold carrying his ban- 
ner after the Lord, so boldly, aud yet so humbly. 


CROWN JEWELS. 


m 

Dear Aunt Hannah West is here; such a sweet old 
saint. It is true that she does not bear our earthly 
name, but she is signed with the blood and sealed 
by the Spirit, and I love the image of the Master in 
dear Aunt Hannah. 

She is a lovely old lady, with her neat Quaker 
dress, her serene and placid face, always beaming with 
Christ-like love. 

She is very fond of dear Edward, and we are so 
glad to have her among us, always looking about to 
see if she can make every one happy. 

I am sure that the Spirit of Christ dwells in her, 
for every word and look speaks of communion with 
the holy Savior. 

This union with all Christ’s true members is so 
mysterious, for that sympathy of spiritual feeling 
which we are sure exists in perfection between the 
spirits made perfect in heaven, must exist also, though 
imperfectly, between us on earth. 

There are some Christians who always seem to 
chill us when we attempt to converse about spiritual 
things. 

It is not so with old Daniel and Mrs. Weston, 
both so poor and unlettered, and yet with such heav- 
enly tempers, that one seems drawn to them so lov- 
ingly, although Daniel is a good Methodist and Mrs. 
Weston a Baptist. But what of that? They are 
both members of Christ’s body, and that is the true 
Church after all. 

We all feel the sweetness of Aunt Hannah’s pres- 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD'S FUTURE. 


207 


ence, from parlor to kitchen, sharing in her tender 
offices of love. It may indeed be said of her that she 
“loves God and little children.” Lilly knows that, 
and we find her running after Aunt Hannah when 
her doll is sick or when she has had a fall, for the old 
saint’s tender hand is so soft, and her kiss so healing. 
Sometimes she steps into the kitchen, and if Jane 
complains of headache Aunt Hannah quietly tells her 
to go up stairs and lie down, and she will attend to 
the pastry. 

She know r s, too, that a family brings a lot of work, 
and so she darns all the stockings so beautifully. 

She is much interested iu our Morning Glory, but 
yesterday I saw her looking earnestly at Percy, and 
after he had gone she said, seriously: 

“That is a delicate young man, Julia; I don’t 
altogether like that cough.” 

It shocked me somewhat, for I have become quite 
accustomed to it, and it gets no worse. 

She likes to talk with Miss Spencer, for she says 
that she is so sensible, and last evening she remarked : 

“Thy work must have been very pleasant with 
the three eldest, Friend Spencer, but I guess that thee 
has had thy own trials with Madge and Allan, for, if 
I’m not mistaken, Madge has been a wild kitten, and 
Allan a lazy fellow.” 

Miss Spencer smiled as she replied: 

“You have guessed quite right, Aunt Hannah, 
but Madge is much improved, and I have hopes of 
Allan too.” 


208 


CROWN JEWELS. 


She makes delightful crullers, and the children are 
sure of something nice when they smell the baking on 
Saturday morning. 

A letter from Professor Lennox, inviting Harold 
to pay them a visit at the new home, bringing his 
books with him, telling him that they are all settled, 
but will not open the college until the first week in 
September. 

Accordingly he took his departure in a few days 
to spend a week with his dear old friend. 

Thus he writes after a day or two : 

“Dear Mamma, — This is a charming place, fine 
buildings, professors’ homes separate from the college, 
in the midst of a grove of grand old trees, the country 
around most romantic, hill and dale and running 
streams the general features of the landscape. 

“There is a long walk back of the college, bordered 
by fine trees, called ‘The Students’ Walk,’ and I felt 
as if I should like to be among the company that 
would hereafter seek its shade. 

‘ ‘ The professor has a fine garden of lovely flowers, 
and an orchard of rare fruit attached to his grounds. 
He expects a large number, for applications come 
daily, and as the cares of housekeeping will be so 
much heavier than at the institute, he would like to 
get a good housekeeper to aid Mrs. Lennox as matron 
of the establishment, one who could be a pleasant 
companion for his lady. 


A GLIMPSE AT HAROLD'S FUTURE. 209 

“ I thought of Aunt Hannah ; she would be the very 
person for such a position — so competent, patient, wise, 
and kind, that Mrs. Lennox might think herself blest 
if she can obtain such a help. 

“What do you think of it? 

“We spent last evening in the library, talking over 
old times at school. 

“ ‘ Do you remember the time when you compared 
me to the young man in the Gospel?’ I asked of the 
professor. 

“ ‘O, yes,’ he replied, 4 1 remember; but how is it 
now, Harold?’ 

“ ‘Your young man has not great possessions, as the 
one in the Gospel, but he had a stubborn will and 
a proud heart; but when awakened to his real condi- 
tion he did not go away sorrowful, but bowed down 
at the foot of the cross, renounced his empty hopes, 
and is now rejoicing in hope of an interest in the 
Savior of sinners, for he knows that he is one.’ 

“ I wish that you could have seen the kindling eye 
and glowing cheek as he clasped my hand in the warm 
grasp of brotherhood, with the words : 

“ ‘You have made me very happy, Harold.’ 

“Then I told my story, and he said: 

“ ‘God often chooses the weak things of the world 
to confound the mighty, thus humbling the pride of 
sinful men. This is such a beautiful instance of the 
power of divine grace that, by the music of five simple 
words, brought a soul home to Jesus.’ 

14 


210 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Then he examined my progress in my studies at 
home, quite satisfied with what I had done. 

“‘I have had my eye upon you, Harold/ he said, 
smiling, ‘ aud hope to see you among us yet as one 
of my young professors; for it is my intention to have 
a class of boys from fourteen to sixteen taught by 
themselves, just the class for you, Harold, pursuing 
the studies of history, physical geography, Latin gram- 
mar, etymology, and moral science/ 

“You may be sure, dear mamma, that I was 
pleased with the prospect; won’t it be delightful to 
teach under such a president? 

“I told Mrs. Lennox about Hannah, and I think 
that she will go to see the old lady. 

“I leave here to-morrow, after such a delightful 
visit, and look forward to the future hopefully. 

“ God is very good to me. May I be enabled to 
use the talents which he has given me for his glory! 
Thus prays your affectionate son, 


“ Harold. : 


A SHADOW FALLING. 


211 


cartel? xxvi. 


A SHADOW FALLING. 


’RED and Wilbur have gone to college — the lat- 
ter to shorten his course, that he may pursue 
his theological studies. 

We miss them so much from our home cir- 
cle — both so intelligent, and such very pleasant 
companions. 

Percy is just as busy as ever in doing the Lord’s 
work, and it is cheering to see what a lovely influ- 
ence he exerts in the Sunday-school. 

He is the devoted friend of John Gibson’s children, 
and I hope that they will well reward his loving care. 

I often step in before Church time; it is always so 
interesting to see with what a sweet and holy power 
Percy walks among the flock. 

Last Sunday, I stepped in when he was talking to 
them about missionary work. 

I will try to give a short sketch of his address; 
but, of course, it loses much of its power when not 
enforced by his fine voice and beaming face : 

“ I hope you know, dear children, how greatly you 
are blest in your pleasant homes — every thing so com- 
fortable, your wants so well provided for; but it is 
not so every-where; for there are many homes of 


212 


CROWN JEWELS. 


poverty in our land. But I wish now to interest you 
especially in the family of a missionary of our dear 
Lord, laboring in the distant West, amid many pri- 
vations and discouragements, having two stations to 
fill, distant from each other, and often obliged to 
travel in the midst of deep snow-storms, sometimes in 
great danger. 

“ He is poorly supported, has a wife and five chil- 
dren, and we are going to make up a box for them. 

“The ladies of the Church have sent several; but 
I want this one to go from our Sunday-school. 

“ I know that you can collect money from your 
friends, and you can bring some gifts of toys and 
books for the children — not disfigured dolls and broken 
toys, but some really nice, pretty gifts. 

“ The boys would like balls, tops, and kites ; the 
girls, just what the little girls here like — something to 
make the children happy. 

“Would n’t you like to see the box opened? 
would n’t you like to see the bright eyes and smiling 
faces, and hear the little ones say, ‘Look here, Joe! 
look there, Sue! did you ever see any thing so 
pretty ?’ 

“ Bring your gifts next Saturday to the vestry- 
room of the church, and the ladies will buy the goods 
and make up the clothes. They will want cloth, 
flannel, muslin, calico, shoes and stockings, and hats. 
Now, be sure to bring us a good lot of money, and 
you will find out that ‘ it is more blessed to give than 
to receive.’” 


A SHADOW FALLING. 


213 


I know that they will bring a fine donation, for I 
saw them exchanging knowing looks, and counting 
something upon their little fingers — I guess it was 
their own gifts. 

Mrs. Lennox paid us a visit yesterday, and had a 
long talk with Aunt Hannah. She seemed greatly 
pleased; indeed, I may truly say that it was mutual. 

“ What w T ould thee like me to do ?” asked the old 
lady. 

“ Help me in the care of the house, direct the 
servants, look after the boys’ clothes, and take especial 
care of the sick.” 

“I think it will be pleasant work,” she replied; 
“for I like to be among the boys, and drop good 
words around them. Thee knows that it is sowing 
seed, Friend Lennox.” 

They soon came to terms, and Aunt Hannah will 
go next Monday. 

Percy does not seem so well, has a little cough 
still, and rides out daily on horseback. The weather 
has been delightful for such exercise; but yesterday 
he was caught in a gust several miles from home, 
and was drenched to the skin. 

He changed his clothes immediately, but had a 
chill at night, followed by fever, which troubled him 
for a week. 

I am sorry to say that his cough is very trouble- 
some, and, as the weather is growing cooler, the doc- 
tor thinks that he must give up all work, and spend 


214 


CROWN JEWELS. 


tlie Winter in Florida, saying that it is better to take 
such cases in time. 

“ I see that our Morning Glory’s heart sinks within 
her, for she sees that he gets weaker. 

But it is decided, and he will go next week. 

Having given Harold some hints about the duties 
of a superintendent, he will leave the Sunday-school 
in his charge. 

We are all so busy getting Percy ready that we 
scarcely have time to talk of parting; but the trunk 
is packed now, and this is the l.ast evening. 

It is a bitter trial to Mary, for her young heart 
was so filled with pictures of the happy future. 

They sat out on the piazza for an hour, and I 
doubt not that Percy’s trusting faith comforted her. 

When they returned to the parlor, he sang the 
sweet hymn : 

“ All the way my Savior leads me ; 

What have I to ask beside? 

Can I doubt his tender mercy, 

Who through life has been my guide? 

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, 

Here by faith in him to dwell ; 

For I know, whate’er befall me, 

Jesus doeth all things well. 

All the way my Savior leads me, 

Cheers each winding path I tread; 

Gives me grace for every trial, 

Feeds me with the living bread. 

Though my weary steps may falter, 

And my soul athirst may be, 

Gushing from the Rock before me, 

Lo, a spring of joy I see! 


A SHADOW FALLING. 


215 


All the way my Savior leads me ; 

0, the fullness of his love! 

Perfect rest to me is promised 
In my Father’s house above. 

When my spirit, cloth’d immortal, 

Wings its flight to realms of day, 

This my song through endless ages — ' 

Jesus led me all the way.” 

I saw the triumph of faith in Percy’s face as he 
sang the beautiful words. 

Would that Ave could all truly sympathize with 
him ! But poor Mary’s faith seems failing, and Percy 
sang: 

“ Simply trusting every day, 

Trusting through a stormy way ; 

Even when my faith is small, 

Trusting Jesus, that is all. 

Trusting as the moments fly, 

Trusting as the days go by; 

Trusting him, whate’er befall; 

Trusting Jesus, that is all. 

Singing if my way be clear ; 

Praying if the path is drear; 

If in danger, for him call ; 

Trusting Jesus, that is all.” 

He looked at the dear girl with such tenderness, 
as he said : 

“Can’t you adopt the language of that sweet 
hymn, Mary?” 

“I am trying, Percy; but it is a hard trial to 
my faith.” 


216 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“Jesus will support you — only trust him,” he said; 
aud then he prayed with us so sweetly. 

Percy is gone, Mrs. Crofton accompanying him to 
the steamer; and though Mary was greatly depressed 
for several days, with the sweet hopefulness of youth 
she is looking forward to his return, quite restored to 
health aud happiness. 

I see her still at her dainty work; and yesterday 
I found her busy over a pretty mat. 

“This is for Percy’s study, mamma,” she said, 
“to be spread before his table. I think I see him 
writing his sermons there, with this pretty mat under 
his feet.” 

I do n’t disturb her sweet dreams, for they turn her 
thoughts from painful subjects. 

Mrs. Crofton has returned, and made a cheerful 
report of his sweet frame of mind, so hopeful, and 
yet so submissive. 

A letter from Percy, which I copy: 

“Dearest Mary, — I had a delightful voyage to 
Florida; feel much better, my cough not so trouble- 
some; and am settled in a pleasant boarding-house, 
with agreeable companions — all invalids, however. 

“I see some work here for the Master; for these 
pale faces touch my heart, and I want to lead them 
to the Great Physician. 

“There are four dear little children, and they are 
eager for the pretty books that I brought with me. 


A SHADOW FALLING. 


217 


“ On Sunday I gathered them into a little side 
parlor, and there we sang and talked about Jesus; 
and in the evening we held a prayer-meeting in the 
parlor, for there are two Christian brothers here who 
join gladly in the services. I do n’t know what par- 
ticular name they bear — it *s enough for me if they 
are members of the body of Christ. 

‘‘We sang the hymn about the Great Physician: 

“ ‘ The Great Physician now is near, 

The sympathizing Jesus; 

He speaks, the drooping heart to cheer — 

0, hear the voice of Jesus. 

Sweetest name in seraph song, 

Sweetest name on mortal tongue, 

Sweetest carol ever sung — 

Jesus, blessed Jesus. 

Your many sins are all forgiven ; 

O, hear the voice of Jesus. 

Go on your way in peace to heaven, 

And wear a crown with Jesus. 

All glory to the dying Lamb! 

I now believe in Jesus ; 

I love the blessed Savior’s name, 

I love the name of Jesus. 

His name dispels my guilt and fear — 

No other name but Jesus; 

O, how my soul delights to hear 
The precious name of Jesus!’ 

“I have cast all my cares upon him, willing that he 
may do with me, and for me, as seemeth good in his 
sight. It is my earnest desire to live and labor for 


218 


CROWN JEWELS. 


him ; but if my Father has other plans for his child, 
of course, they are better, and I desire to submit, not 
only patiently, but joyfully. 

“ Can ’t you do the same, dear Mary? for ‘lie 
doetli all things well.’ 

“You know, dear, that I have been praying most 
earnestly to be made holy, and our Father may have 
some rough polishing. 

“Don’t forget the Gibsons. Mamma has quite a 
nice parcel of clothes ready for the children, and has 
also a little gift of money, which I left for the widow. 

“ Tell dear old Daniel that the Lord reigns. 

Let us trust him with all our affairs, both for this 
world and the next. His faith has taught me many 
useful lessons. 

“ Do n’t neglect dear mamma. She loves you very 
fondly as her future daughter, and your visits are 
always a comfort. 

“ Remember me most kindly to all at Shadyside. 

“And now, may our dear Savior have us all in his 
holy keeping, prays your own devoted 


“ Percy. 


POLISHING FOR THE SAVIOR'S CROWN. 219 


C&ikptei' XXVII. 

POLISHING FOR THE SAVIOR’S CROWN. 

& 3Lcttjer from ^ercj. 

EAREST MARY, — My eyes are turning home- 
ward, for it is now the last week in April. 
^ You can have no idea, unless you were here, 
how delightful a Wiuter is in this climate, for 
we can generally sit with the windows open, 
and can exercise out of doors daily. The 
flowers, too, are in full bloom, and the early fruits 
are on the table at every meal. 

“I sincerely hope that there may be some spiritual 
fruits of my stay here, for I have been much inter- 
ested in Mrs. Lewis, a sick lady, whom I found with- 
out any well grounded hope of heaven; but I trust 
that she has been led by the Spirit of God to rest all 
her hopes on Jesus only, and that her feet are on the 
‘Rock of Ages/ 

“Then my class of little girls has been such a 
hopeful source of pleasure. 

“I trust that I have been able to feed them with 
the milk of the Word, and that these young hearts 
have learned to love the dear Savior. 

“Hearing that I am to return soon, they don’t 


220 


CROWN JEWELS. 


mean to be forgotten, and yesterday they brought me 
a picture of my four little girls, the eldest saying: 

“ ‘You must not forget us, Mr. Crofton.’ 

“Wasn’t that sweet in the little things? 

“I have had mine taken and gave a copy to each 
of the children, sending you two, one for yourself, the 
other for dear mamma. 

“ They seemed delighted with the gift, for I am 
sure that they love the giver. 

“Now, dear Mary, I am sorry to say that there is 
not so much improvement in my health as we have 
hoped for, but I desire to leave all in the hands of 
our Heavenly Father, who knows just what is best 
for his children. I had hoped to live and labor for 
him, but if he wants me in a brighter world, where I 
may serve him with perfect love, we ought not to say 
one doubting word. Let us pray for an increase of 
faith, that we may with perfect confidence trust our 
all in his loving hands. 

“You may look for me in about two weeks, the 
Lord willing. 

“With love to all, I am yours, most lovingly, 

“Percy.” 

Percy returned yesterday, but looks so pale and 
emaciated that I feel his days are drawing to a close. 
While the natural man is fading the spiritual is grow- 
ing, for his heavenly-mindedness is so beautiful. His 
simple trust in Christ, his love for the dear Master, 
his submission to his blessed will, shine in every word 
and act. 


POLISHING FOR TIIE SA VIOL’S CROWN . 221 


Mary sees what I do, but we dare not talk about 
it yet. She visits him daily, and they are reading 
the Gospels together as in brighter days. 

She says that Christ seems so really present in the 
reading of his Word. I went over in the evening to 
see him. Talking of the morning reading, he said : 

“What a glorious hope we have in the resurrec- 
tion of our dear Lord. It only needs for us to realize 
that we are truly hidden in Christ to know that 
* when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall 
ye also appear with him in glory/ ” 

They talk together about the world to come, and 
having the blessed hope of the Lord’s return, the 
things of time and sense are fading. 

I had such a sweet letter from Wilbur, which I 
copy : 

“ Dearest Mamma, — I expect to graduate very 
soon, and the prospect of preaching the everlasting 
Gospel is heart-cheering indeed; but what am I, 
such a worm of the dust, to be so honored? When 
we think of these clay vessels, truly all our sufficiency 
must be of God. Is it not wonderful that God should 
choose such instruments to make known the riches of 
redeeming grace ? Pray for me, dear mamma, that I 
may be a faithful, loving minister of the Lord Jesus, 
and that he will fit me by heart-experience of the 
truths of the Gospel, to be able to preach to others. 

“I have had a very happy year, for the professor 


222 


CROWN JEWELS. 


is such a dear, fatherly friend, Mrs. Lennox is so 
good and loving, Rose such a sweet child, and dear 
Aunt Hannah such a blessing among the students. 

“I had a short spell of sickness, and she was like 
a most tender and devoted mother to your son, stay- 
ing in my room all night and comforting me with the 
sweetest words of Christian love and sympathy. 

“She does not know it, but she walks among us 
like a good missionary, scattering her words of warn- 
ing and counsel wherever they are needed, and it is 
wonderful how much these gay young students bear 
from the dear old saint. 

“She never allows them to speak irreverently of 
our Father’s name, and the other day I overheard her 
reproving one for such irreverence. 

“ ‘ I am sorry, James, to hear thee speaking so 
lightly of the name of God. It must be very offens- 
ive to such a great and holy being/ 

“ ‘I do not mean to be irreverent, Aunt Hannah/ 
he replied, ‘ I am so thoughtless/ 

“‘But thy Heavenly Father does not look upon 
such words as only thoughtless, for they are really 
sinful/ 

“ ‘I will try to do better, Aunt Hannah/ he an- 
swered; ‘ but I hear so much of it among the fellows 
that I forget how sinful it must be/ 

“Then, on another occasion, she found an im- 
proper book in the room of one, and did not fail to 
administer a wholesome reproof. 

“ ‘Would thee like thy mother or thy sister to see 


POLISHING FOR THE SA VIOR’S CROWN. 223 

thee reading that book, Thomas ? Do n’t thee know 
that thee can’t touch pitch without being defiled?’ 

“But they never get offended with Aunt Hannah; 
she is so kind to all of them, and so holy herself that 
her gentle words are very weighty. 

“Truly she is a blessing to Mrs. Lennox, who ap- 
preciates her kind offices, treating her in all respects 
as an equal ; indeed, I believe that she truly vener- 
ates the dear old saint. 

“She sits at the same table, attends at family 
prayers, and is in all respects a beloved and honored 
member of the little circle of the president’s private 
home. 

“There, now, you see that I have given the head 
of the college by his proper title; for I see on looking 
back at what I have written I can not forget the dear 
professor of Courtland Institute. 

“I am looking forward with great delight to my 
return to dear Shadyside, though I may have to leave 
it so soon. I am sorry to hear of Percy’s failing con- 
dition, for I fear that he will never be any better; 
but to him, ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain;’ 
but for our Morning Glory, my heart bleeds for her. 
May the dear Lord sustain her in the midst of her 
trials. With love to the dear circle, I am your affec- 
tionate son, Wilbur.” 

The two have graduated, and Wilbur is at home, 
spending much time with dear Percy, for he sees the 
coming change. 


224 


CROWN JEWELS. 


His decline is very gradual, his hopes brightening 
daily, for all his loving trust is in the precious Savior, 
who died for sinners. 

We had such a sweet talk about the recognition 
of friends in heaven last evening, for Percy believes it 
fully, but not until the resurrection, but he says that 
it will be joy uuspeakable to be forever with the Lord. 

He prays for sweet submission to his Father’s will, 
for “he doeth all things well.’'* 

Wilbur has been with us several weeks, and to- 
morrow he goes to the seminary to complete his 
studies. Last evening he spent an hour alone with 
Percy, and told me how sweet and comforting was his 
conversation, telling him that he was to be honored 
as a preacher of the blessed Gospel, praying that he 
might be a burning and a shining light in this dark 
world of sin; but “preach Christ first, last, and 
always,” was Percy’s loving charge, “for that is the 
Gospel, Jesus all in all.” 

The messenger came at last, suddenly, for Percy 
ruptured a blood-vessel, and in a few hours passed 
away peacefully to his everlasting rest, perfectly con- 
scious and unable to speak, but the peace of heaven 
illumined the features of the dying Christian with 
the bright hopes of heavenly glory. 

The parents of Percy Crofton have my deepest 
sympathy, but they have the sure hope of reunion 
in a better world, where sin and sorrow are names 
unknown. 

Mary’s grief was deep and silent, and my mother- 


POLISHING FOR THE SAVIOR'S CROWN. 225 


heart was drawn to my suffering child with most ten- 
der affection. Henceforth we will tread the pilgrim’s 
path together, looking unto Jesus and living more 
entirely for his glory. 

Percy left Mary his library, and in a few days it 
was brought over to Shadyside and placed in a neat 
book-case in her own room, his picture hanging over it. 

Mary kept her room for two weeks in sweet com- 
munion with her Savior, gathering together all her 
memorials of the departed one. In looking over his 
books she came across his diary, containing such 
holy breathings after conformity to God’s image as 
filled her heart with most tender and affecting mem- 
ories of their many conversations on these sacred 
subjects. 

As we looked over its pages she said: 

“His desires for holiness are all fulfilled now, 
mamma, and we ought to be content that he is made 
perfect in love.” 

She copied the diary and then sent it to Mrs. 
Crofton, believing that his mother had the first claim 
upon such a record. 

When at last she returned to the family circle in 
her mourning dress, with the sweet look of holy resig- 
nation upon her face, it was seen by us all that she 
had been with Jesus, had laid her sorrows upon his 
bosom, . and that underneath his child were the ever- 
lasting arms. 

She is no more our Morning Glory, but the holy 

name of Heart’s Ease becomes her more. 

15 


226 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Polishing by trials for the Savior’s crown we see by 
her touching attempts to appear cheerful and to min- 
ister to the happiness of those around her, she will 
indeed be Heart’s Ease wherever she moves. 

Miss Spencer has left us, for we think that the 
cares of training her pupils will be a great help to 
Mary in drawing her heart away from its grief. 

The young folks loved their faithful teacher dearly, 
and have presented her with a picture of all her 
pupils, for, knowing that she was to leave, they had 
obtained such a picture when all were at home. 


THE YEARS ROLL ON. 


227 


d^kptef, XXVIII. 


THE DAYS ROLL ON. 



HE days roll on, gliding into the silent years — ■ 
the past has told its story, and left its mark— 


the future! who can unravel its mystery? 

Only this we know, that not a sparrow falls to 


the ground without permission from the Father; 


® neither does the joy of sunshine nor the cloud 
of sorrow cross the path of his own children without 
his knowledge, for they are not only known hut sent 
by the same Heavenly Father. 

Thus, followed by a mother’s love and a mother’s 
prayers, I continue the story of my crown jewels; 
for, young as they are, they have tasted some of life’s 
sorrows. 

Mary has taken her place in the school-room with 
her three pupils; for we think Lilly old enough to 
commence some simple lessons, only staying for an 
hour with sister. 

She has her own little chair by Mary’s side, and is 
a bright, docile child; but as soon as her lessons are 
done she runs off to the nursery, where she amuses 
me all day with her sweet prattle. 

Returning slowly to her accustomed employments, 
Mary came to me yesterday with a sensible request. 


228 


CHOWE JEWELS. 


“I was thinking, mamma, that it would be well 
for me to resume my music lessons — Percy was so 
anxious for me to excel on the organ, and I was be- 
ginning to improve. It would be such a pity for me 
to lose all that I have learned. ” 

I was pleased to hear her request, and told her to 
resume her lessons, by all mean. So, to-day she 
opened the organ. I saw that it revived many sad 
memories ; but she played one of Percy’s sweet hymns, 
and seemed comforted. 

Madge was a frolicsome, mischievous child, always 
getting into trouble; but in her softened character 
she is a very lovely girl, and we have every reason to 
hope that she is turning heavenward. And it will be 
Mary’s sweet task to lead her to the Savior’s feet. 

Allan is not gifted as the other boys are, but he is 
trying to improve the talents bestowed, and we see 
daily progress. He often says: 

“You must not expect me to be like Harold or 
Wilbur; but if I am an upright merchant I may be 
an honor to my friends. I am trying to do my best.” 

That is true; for Mary says that Allan is over- 
coming his natural indolence, and never allows a dif- 
ficult task to conquer him. 

She often expresses great pleasure in training her 
pupils, saying that no work could be better for her, 
calling her out of herself and her griefs; for she is 
full of plans for their improvement. 

Madge is a promising music scholar; and after 
supper, when we are all together, we assemble in the 


THE YEARS ROLL OH. 


229 


parlor, where we sing our children’s sweet hymns, 
often choosing Percy’s favorite : 

“We shall meet beyond the river, 

By and by, by and by; 

And the darkness shall be over, 

By and by, by and by; 

With the toilsome journey done, 

And the glorious battle won, 

We shall shine forth as the sun, 

By and by, by and by. 

We shall strike the harps of glory, 

By and by, by and by ; 

We shall sing redemption’s story, 

By and by; by and by, 

And the strains for evermore 
Shall resound in sweetness o’er 
Yonder everlasting shore, 

By and by, by and by. 

We shall see and be like Jesus, 

By and by, by and by ; 

Who a crown of life will give us, 

By and by, by and by ; 

And the angels who fulfill 
All the mandates of his will 
Shall attend, and love us still, 

By and by, by and by. 

There our tears shall all cease flowing, 

By and by, by and by; 

And with sweetest rapture knowing, 

By and by, by and by ; 

All the blest ones who have gone 
To the land of life and song, 

We with shoutings shall rejoin, 

By and by, by and by.” 


230 


CROWN JEWELS. 


Doctor Crofton clings so closely to our Mary, and 
comes over every morning to pay her a visit. He 
seems to regard her with the love of a parent, calling 
her, so tenderly, “ My child;” and she is so loving to 
the dear pastor, not only for his own, but for Percy’s 
sake. 

“You may well call her Heart’s Ease,” he said, “ for 
she is all that to us. How plainly we see the Master’s 
hand polishing our crown jewel !” 

And that is true, the marks of an indwelling Christ, 
so beautiful. 

The other day we walked together among Percy’s 
flowers, for he had many lovely plants. 

“ This was his favorite,” she said, pointing to a fine 
tea-rose; “he was so proud of this lovely rose.” 

Then she cut a bouquet, and, when we returned 
home, she placed them in a vase in the library. 

We are studying the Gospels together; and Mary 
often points out to me Percy’s marks of favorite 
texts, always leading to the precious Savior in his 
many loving and holy traits. 

As we study them together, may we grow up into 
his likeness! for it is studying him, and not our sinful 
selves, that promotes our holiness. 

“ Looking unto Jesus” — may that be our motto. 

Fred is called to fill a chair at college, the studies 
being rhetoric, Latin and English composition, elocu- 
tion, and moral science. 

Plarold, also, has been appointed to take charge of 


THE TEARS ROLL ON. 


231 


a class of younger boys, teaching them in a room by 
themselves, their studies being history, physical geog- 
raphy, Latin grammar, etymology, arithmetic, and 
moral science. 

I have just had such a sweet letter from Harold — 
here it is : 

“ Dear Mamma, — Here I am, just where I have 
always wished to be, a professor in the college with 
President Lennox. 

“ That sounds quite large, mamma, does it not? I 
have a class of fifteen boys — I would like to say bright 
boys, but, of course, all are not — only five highly 
gifted. The rest have to work very hard ; but I never 
scold — I encourage them, and I think that they gen- 
erally believe that they can accomplish their desires. 

“We have a club called ‘Uncle Sam’s Cadets/ 
bound together by a set of moral helps. All who be- 
long wear a badge marked U. S. C., and I am sure 
that it is doing good among them. 

“It is a voluntary club; but, although we com- 
menced with a very few, we have some new recruits 
daily. 

“ Here are our rules : 

“ ‘ 1. Fear God, and keep his commandments, al- 
ways taking his Word for your guide. 

“ ‘ 2. Be respectful to college officers, obedient to 
rules, and kind to all the students. 

“ ‘ 3. Never join in the miserable practice of haz- 
ing, or in any of the secret tricks of college boys. 


232 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ ‘ 4. Never listen to any story or language, or 
read any book, that you would not wish your mother 
to see or hear. 

“ ‘ 5. Never choose for a companion a boy who 
uses profane language, or treats the Sabbath with 
contempt. 

“ ‘ 6. Be perfectly truthful at all times. 

“ ‘ 7. Never touch a drop of intoxicating liquor. 

“ * 8. Above all things, early in life choose the 
service of the dear Savior, who gave his life for you.’ 

“ What I most desire is, to lead these young foot- 
steps in the way to heaven. 

“ I can assure you, dear mamma, that it is pleas- 
ant work; for the boys seem fond of their teacher, 
and try to do their duty. 

“I miss the dear home circle; but the president’s 
family are very kind, and dear Aunt Hannah a pre- 
cious old saint. 

“I think that she likes to come into my class- 
room ; for she has obtained the consent of Mrs. Len- 
nox to bring some of her nice biscuits in at lunch 
time, and this gives her an opportunity to scatter her 
good seed. 

“ I wish that you could see Fred Bronson in the 
professor’s chair, which he fills with so much dignity. 

“ When I hear his eloquent addresses to his class, 
or his fine reading of distinguished authors, I often 
think of the boy that carried slops to the pigs; and 
now he is molding the minds of the sons of some of 
the highest in the land. So much for modest worth 


THE YEARS ROLL ON. 


233 


and talent and noble conduct, and the blessing of 
Heaven smiling upon a good son. 

“ He was made so happy, a few days ago, by the 
news that dear papa had obtained a situation for his 
father in a bank of which papa is a director. 

“ This will make his circumstances comfortable ; 
but they will still live on the farm, and mamma will 
not lose her friend. 

“ Fred edits a paper called The College Sentinel, 
issued monthly, and printed at a neighboring town. 

“It is open to all the students, and is really a 
valuable and spicy affair — Fred’s articles the very 
best, full of humor, and rich with instruction. 

“ I find that we have a poet among us, who writes 
fine articles. 

“ So, dear mamma, you see that we ought to be 
very happy, and I know that I am more than con- 
tented. 

“ But a shadow often dims my joyous hours when 
I think of our Morning Glory, her young hopes so 
early crushed; but I doubt not that our Father is 
polishing one of your jewels for usefulness here and 
glory hereafter. We can trust him, dear mamma, 
can ’t we? — such a wise, good, and loving Heavenly 
Father. 

“And so our little pet, Lilly, is at school; and 
dear Madge is such a comfort to Mary. Allan, too, 
seems to be getting on. I am full of hope for all of 
them, encircled as they are by an atmosphere of 
prayer. 


234 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“ Fred often talks about Madge, and says that she 
will be a fine woman, a cheering light to some fire- 
side. I sometimes wonder if he ever thinks of her 
bright face smiling upon his future home. 

“ I hope that you see Sarah often. Do n’t you 
know what a fine character is forming in that strong, 
warm heart? 

“Fred and I occupy a house together, using a 
sitting-room and two chambers; but I don’t fancy an 
old bachelor’s home, and some of these near days I 
hope to see Sarah at the head of mine. 

“I admire her strong good sense, and love her 
■warm, true heart, and can say that she has been of 
great use to me when led off by hasty impulses. 

“ With love to all, your affectionate son, 

“ Harold.” 


MARY AND I. 


235 


&te>tei< XXIX. 


MARY AND I. 


f ESTEEDAY I went into Mary’s room and 
found her looking over the dainty ornaments 
made so hopefully for her future home. They 
were scattered around, and it touched my heart 
L when I remembered with what sanguine hopes 
she made these pretty things. 

“You remember these fancies, dear mamma,” she 
said: “I was a very happy child then, thinking of 
dreamland. That is all over now. But some one 
must be made happy by this work, and I intend giv- 
ing them to Sarah to beautify their home.” 

“ That is a sweet thought, dear,” I answered. 
“When do you suppose that they will be married?” 
she asked. 

“After the New Year, I believe; the two fathers 
will furnish the cottage and Fred will remain with 
them until he has a home of his own.” 

“It will be a happy union,” she said. “Sarah is 
such a noble, sensible girl, and both are Christians. 
It was a hard struggle to submit quietly to the blow 
which shadowed my life, but I trust that I can say 
now, ‘The will of the Lord be done.’” 

“ Our Father orders all our lot, Mary,” I answered, 


230 


CROWN JEWELS. 


“and it seems now as if sorrow had made us not only 
mother and daughter, but dear Christian sisters, seek- 
ing for holiness and serving our dear Lord together.” 

“There is a great deal to da here, mamma,” she 
said, “ and if I do what I desire I shall be very busy. 
I want to begin our walks to-day, for Percy told me 
not to forget the poor and sick that he cared for.” 

“That is the work that I like,” I answered; “it is 
a fine day, and we will go first to Mrs. Sullivan’s.” 

When we started I saw that Mary carried Percy’s 
basket in her hand. 

With a sorrowful look she said: 

“You know this, dear mamma; see, here are the 
tracts placed here by his dear hand.” 

Going over to the parsonage we gathered some of 
Percy’s flowers, for he always took some when visiting 
the sick; and followed by Fritz we walked slowly over 
the path so often trodden by the dear young pair, for 
I remembered how I had seen them returning hand in 
hand, tripping up the avenue so gay and happy. 

Mrs. Sullivan was glad to see us, for she had been 
sick two weeks, with no one to wait upon her but 
Mike. 

“I miss dear Mr. Crofton,” she said; “he was 
such a bearer of glad tidings.” 

Then Mary spoke such heart-cheering words about 
the love of Jesus, saying: 

“ I hope that you can trust him, my dear friend, 
with all for this world and the next.” 

“What should I do without Jesus?” she answered. 


MARY AND I. 


237 


Then we gave her a few tracts and some comforts 
for the sick, and Mary placed her flowers in a tumbler 
by her bedside. 

“They are very sweet, Miss Mary,” she said, “for 
they speak to me of God's love to poor sinners.” 

After a few words of prayer we bade her good-bye, 
and then called upon Daniel Harper, a dear old saint 
whose sweet submission to God’s will always preached 
holy lessons to the visitor. It was so touching to hear 
his thanks for the little gifts bestowed, for he received 
all as from a Father’s hand. 

Our next visit was to Mrs. Gibson, with her seven 
children. She has a hard time to get along, taking in 
washing and going out to day’s work, but her eldest 
child, Martha, a girl of fourteen, is able to help now, 
for when mother is out she takes care of the family. 

We found that she was in need of warm clothing 
for the children, and this will be work for Mary and 
me. We left her some comforts, and turning home- 
ward we talked over our plans for the neighborhood, 
and I thought how truly our dear child walked among 
the people of our village as a sweet and comforting 
Heart’s Ease. 

Percy’s death was a great grief to Doctor Crofton, 
which seemed to be a blow struck at the citadel of 
life. But it turned his heart more earnestly heaven- 
ward, and we all feel the echoes of that voice in his 
public ministrations. 

He seemed to have an especial claim upon our 
Mary; and every day she might be seen in Percy’s 


238 


CROWN JEWELS. 


study with the pastor, where he loved to recall all the 
incidents of his young life. 

“I can say, with David, ‘I shall go to him, but 
he will not return to me.’” 

This was the language of the father’s hope. 

Mary’s work iu the school-room was very helpful, 
for, coming into daily contact with bright young life, 
it warmed her heart, and often cheered her drooping 
spirit. Little Lilly was the brightest sunbeam of all ; 
for, happily, sorrow does not quench the spirits of 
joyous childhood. 

Percy had been very useful in the Sunday-school, 
but had always felt the need of an infant-school; and 
if he had lived, no doubt, would have added this 
feature to the school. 

Mary and I had frequent talks about it, and finally 
concluded to take some steps in that direction, and, 
therefore, commenced a thorough canvassing of the 
neighborhood. 

We found quite a good number of little ones whose 
parents were very glad to send them ; but they were 
not all provided with clothes suitable for Sunday, 
and Mary and I went to work heartily, Sarah and 
Madge helping us. 

From the three families we gathered some half- 
worn clothing and new material, and soon rigged out 
the little ones. 

But having no suitable books for such a class, we 
went into the city to get books and pictures; aud, 
having the use of a small room adjoining the larger 


MARY AND I. 


239 


one, we fitted it up, and on Sunday gathered a class 
of twelve. 

Poor little timid things! But with Mary’s kind 
words, pretty stories, and sweet hymns, the tender 
little hearts soon responded to the sweetness of our 
Heart’s Ease. 

“I am so glad,” said Mary, “that we have made 
such a good beginning. It would please Percy so 
much if he knew it; but, what is better still, I hope 
that it pleases our dear Lord.” 

It is so delightful to write, of all these efforts, that 
Mary and I are joined in such blessed union. 

Our Gospel readings, every day are such holy ex- 
ercises; for, praying together for light, and studying 
the character of our dear Lord, we hope to be changed 
into his blessed image. 

It is comforting to know that the body of Christ 
is one; and although some of its members are in 
heaven with the Lord, and others pilgrims on earth, 
enduring life’s conflicts, yet we all sympathize with 
each other in the joys, and sorrows which attend the 
Christian. And so, while I write Mary and I, in all 
this discipline, I can also write: “Wherefore seeing 
we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of 
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin 
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with pa- 
tience the race that is set before us, looking unto 
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” 

We are very busy at Shady side, for Harold is to bo 


240 


CROWN JEWELS. 


married next month, and Mary and I are obliged to 
go for a few days to the college to arrange the house 
for the young pair. 

Mary presented her lovely gifts to Sarah, who re- 
ceived them with a kiss, saying: 

“Thank you, dearest; they are very lovely.” 

“They will beautify your home, Sarah,” she an- 
swered ; and I saw, as she turned away, that she 
wiped away two large tears. 

We have just returned from the college, and have 
put the finishing touches to Harold’s home. 

I looked with most tender affection upon our dear 
Mary, working so cheerfully for a beloved brother, 
forgetting her own sorrow in the consciousness of 
making others happy. 

“You’re a darling,” said Harold, as he saw her 
arranging the pretty mats and tidies, and hanging 
the mottoes. 

“ Now remember, Harold,” she said, “that you are 
not to put your feet upon that mat before your table 
when you come in from your walks; that is only for 
house slippers.” 

“ Now, Fred, are n’t you sorry,” he said, laughing, 
“that you are not getting ready for housekeeping?” 

“Never mind,” he answered; “it will come some 
day. I shall never be a bachelor.” 

When we walked through the house, Mary said : 

“I am sure that Harold will be delighted, every 
thing is so lovely.” 


MARY AND I. 


241 


t 

I looked in upon Harold’s class, so orderly and 
attentive, and I saw by the animated faces that our 
bright son was in his right place. 

Allan will join the class next year, for he is too 
old for the school-room. 

Yesterday was Harold’s wedding-day. 

The bride looked lovely; and Harold, just splendid. 
What a big word! but it must be excused when it is 
remembered that a mother writes it. 

Wilbur came home to the wedding, and we were 
glad to see the dear boy. 

As Mary moved about with such a softened cheer- 
fulness, dropping sweet words everywhere, I thought 
how truly she was Heart’s Ease on this joyous occa- 
sion; for it was Mary that was called upon to make 
all the guests feel perfectly at home. 

Doctor Crofton performed the ceremony, and when 
they were all seated Fred said, so heartily: 

“ I congratulate you, Brother Harold, for you ’ve 
won a treasure; but I must say that I envy you the 
prospect of such a lovely home.” 

Turning to me, he continued: 

“ How Madge has grown ! a child no longer. She 
is very lovely.” 

“ Improved in every way,” I replied; “for I have 
no doubt that she is a true child of God, and will be 
received into the Church on our next communion.” 

She played some of her sweetest songs, and Fred 

stood near her, turning the leaves of her music, and 
16 


242 


CROWN JEWELS. 


praising her performance; but no one asked Mary to 
sing — that would have been too great an effort. 

I saw that the good pastor was very sad, for his 
heart w r as with the departed one ; and soon after 
supper he took leave of the young couple, blessing 
them in the name of the Lord. 

Sarah had some beautiful gifts — a set of silver from 
Uncle John Kingston, a gold watch from Aunt Trevor, 
and a number of pretty things from other friends. 

Next day, the young pair started for home, Mrs. 
Bronson much affected on parting with her daughter. 

Wilbur looked well, and is very happy at the sem- 
inary, but is anxious to be at work. 

He says, however, that the students have Sunday- 
schools and prayer-meetings in the neighborhood, 
where they take turns in conducting these services. 

But he is gone, and we have returned to our usual 
mode of life — Mary aiding in the cares of the family, 
in the mothers’ meeting, and wherever she can in- 
crease the sum of human happiness. 

Every day I see brighter marks of the Spirit’s 
teaching, and know that our Morning Glory is being 
polished for the Savior’s crown. 

• The years roll on, and the Master’s hand is fash- 
ioning the jewels for himself. 

Wilbur has completed his studies, and will be or- 
dained next Sunday. 

Dr. Crofton is very feeble, and Wilbur will be his 
assistant — all of us so pleased to have him at home. 


MARY AND I. 


243 


Wilbur preached his first sermon last Sunday, Ed- 
ward and I rejoicing in the precious testimony which 
he bore to the all-sufficiency of Christ — his text: “ For 
I determined not to know anything among you, save 
Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 

It is so sweet to labor for the dear Lord, in com- 
pany with our own beloved son. 

I look back upon my record of our Father’s deal- 
ings with the dwellers at Shadyside, so many proofs 
of his love towards his sinful, dependent children. I 
see how he has led us thus far, and for the rest of 
mortal life I expect to write in the history of our pil- 
grim path, and our work for the Lord, that Mary and 
I, sustained by his grace, walk hand in hand, panting 
after holiness until we reach the everlasting kingdom. 

I leave my crown jewels in the Lord’s dear, faithful 
hands, trusting that through the riches of almighty 
grace he will polish them in his own way for the 
crown of glory. 

“ Grace all the work shall crown 
Through everlasting days ; 

It lays in heaven the topmost stone, 

And well deserves our praise.” 


















































































































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